What is a will codicil?
A will codicil is a document that is used to modify or supplement an existing will. It can be used to add new provisions, revoke or alter existing provisions, or to make administrative changes. It is important to note that a will codicil does not completely replace an existing will. In Pennsylvania, a will codicil must meet the same requirements that a will must meet in order to be valid, including being in writing, signed by the testator (person making the will), and witnessed by at least two credible persons. Furthermore, the codicil must refer to the will it is changing and must be signed by the same witnesses who signed the will. A will codicil can be used to make minor changes or additions to a will, such as to add a new beneficiary or change the beneficiary of a particular bequest. It can also be used to revoke or alter certain provisions of an existing will, such as to reduce the amount of a bequest. It is important to note that a will codicil does not completely replace an existing will. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive review of the existing will, and to ensure that the changes made do not conflict with other terms in the existing will. Furthermore, a codicil may not be used to create a wholly new will. In Pennsylvania, if a new will is desired, it must be written from scratch and not simply be a modification of an existing will.
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