What is a will codicil?

A will codicil is an amendment or addition to a will. A codicil is typically used to make minor changes to a will, such as adding or removing assets from the estate or changing the name of an executor. In North Carolina, a will codicil must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must also sign the codicil in the presence of the testator and each other. It is important to understand that any changes made through a codicil will supersede the original will. A will codicil is a helpful tool for anyone who wishes to update their will without fully rewriting it. Codicils are generally less expensive and take less time to create than rewriting a new will. However, codicils can become complicated if there are multiple codicils that conflict with each other. In such cases, a court will determine which of the codicils will control. A will codicil can be created in North Carolina at any time, even after the testator has passed away. A codicil is usually not necessary for minor changes and can be made orally. In any event, it is important to consult with an attorney to help ensure that the codicil complies with North Carolina law.

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