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Codicil to Will Template – Free Download 2026

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When Do You Need a Codicil to Will?

You need to change a specific provision in your last will and testament, such as replacing an executor, updating a beneficiary, or modifying a bequest amount, without going through the expense and effort of drafting an entirely new will.

A named beneficiary in your will has passed away, and you need to formally redirect that bequest to another individual or charity. A codicil allows you to make this targeted change while keeping all other provisions of your original will intact.

You recently acquired a significant asset such as real estate, a business interest, or a large investment account and want to add a specific bequest for that asset to your existing will without disturbing the rest of your estate plan.

Your original will names a guardian for minor children, and you need to change that designation because the named guardian has moved, become incapacitated, or is no longer a suitable choice. A pour-over will or codicil can address this specific change.

You want to add or remove a no-contest clause, change burial or funeral instructions, or update the powers granted to your executor. These are common reasons for a codicil when the core distribution plan of your will remains unchanged.

Your estate planning attorney has recommended a minor amendment to address a change in state law that affects how your will is interpreted, such as updated rules on digital assets or revised elective share statutes in your state.

What Should a Codicil to Will Include?

Codicil Header and Will Reference

Identify this document as a codicil and reference the original last will and testament by its exact date of execution and the full legal name of the testator. If prior codicils exist, reference each by date so the sequence of amendments is clear to the probate court.

Specific Amendments

State each change precisely by referencing the article, section, or paragraph number of the original will being modified. Use language such as "Article III, Section 2 of my Will dated [date] is hereby amended to read as follows." Vague references create ambiguity that can lead to litigation.

Republication Clause

Include a republication by codicil clause stating that all provisions of the original will not expressly modified by this codicil are ratified and confirmed. This clause ensures the original will and the codicil are treated as a single integrated document.

Revocation of Conflicting Provisions

Explicitly revoke any provisions in the original will that conflict with the amendments in this codicil. Conflicting provisions that are not expressly revoked can create confusion and potential grounds for a will contest.

Testator Declarations

Include declarations that the testator is of sound mind, is signing voluntarily, and has testamentary capacity. These declarations mirror the requirements of the original will and help defend against claims of undue influence or incompetence.

Execution and Witness Block

A codicil must be executed with the same formalities as the original will. The testator must sign with wet ink in the presence of at least two witnesses who also sign. Include a self-proving affidavit signed before a notary public to streamline probate admission.

Signature Requirements

Wet-Ink Signature Required

A codicil must be executed with the same formalities as the original will. Under ESIGN Act Section 103, testamentary documents are excluded from electronic signature validity. This codicil must be signed in wet ink in the physical presence of two witnesses.

Notarization Recommended2 Witnesses Required

How to Fill Out a Codicil to Will

1

Identify the Original Will

Enter your full legal name and the exact date you executed your original last will and testament. If you have previously executed codicils, list the date of each prior codicil in chronological order.

2

Draft the Specific Amendments

For each change, reference the exact article or section of the original will you are amending. Write the new language that will replace the existing provision. Be specific and avoid general statements that could introduce ambiguity.

3

Include the Republication Clause

Add the standard republication language confirming that all unmodified provisions of your original will remain in full force and effect. This clause prevents any argument that the codicil was intended to revoke the entire will.

4

Review for Consistency

Read the codicil alongside your original will to ensure there are no internal contradictions. Confirm that all names, dates, and section references are accurate. Estate planning attorneys generally recommend a new will instead of a codicil after three or more amendments.

5

Review Witness Requirements

Confirm your state's witness requirements. Most states require at least two disinterested witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the will or codicil. Some states accept holographic (handwritten) codicils, but a formally witnessed document is always preferable.

6

Sign with Witnesses and Notarize

Print the completed codicil and sign it with wet ink in the presence of your two witnesses. Complete the self-proving affidavit before a notary public. Store the signed codicil with your original will so they are found together.

Free Template vs Custom Codicil to Will

FeatureFree TemplateCustom (AI or Attorney)
Basic codicil structure
Republication clause
State-specific execution requirementsWitness rules vary by state-
Self-proving affidavit language-
Attorney review and customization-
Digital download (PDF/Word)

Codicil to Will Template FAQ

What is a codicil to a will?
A codicil is a legal document that amends, modifies, or supplements an existing last will and testament without replacing the entire will. It allows a testator to make specific changes such as updating a beneficiary, changing an executor, or adjusting a bequest amount. A codicil must be executed with the same formalities as the original will, including witness requirements. Once properly executed, the codicil is read together with the original will as a single integrated estate plan.
How do you add a codicil to a will?
To add a codicil, draft a document that references the original will by date and the testator's full name, states the specific provisions being changed, and includes a republication clause confirming all unchanged provisions. The testator must sign the codicil with wet ink in the presence of the same number of witnesses required for the original will, typically two disinterested witnesses. The signed codicil should be stored with the original will so the probate court can read them together.
Does a codicil need to be witnessed?
Yes, a codicil must be witnessed with the same formalities as the original will. In most states, this means at least two disinterested witnesses must watch the testator sign and then sign the codicil themselves. The witnesses should not be beneficiaries under the will or codicil. A self-proving affidavit signed before a notary public is strongly recommended because it allows the probate court to accept the codicil without requiring the witnesses to appear and testify.
How many codicils can you add to a will?
There is no legal limit on the number of codicils you can add to a will. However, estate planning attorneys generally recommend drafting a completely new will rather than adding a fourth or subsequent codicil. Multiple codicils increase the risk of contradictions and confusion, make the estate plan harder for the executor and probate court to interpret, and can create opportunities for will contests based on alleged inconsistencies between documents.
Is it better to make a new will or a codicil?
A codicil is appropriate for one or two minor changes, such as swapping an executor or adjusting a specific bequest. A new will is better when you are making multiple changes, when the changes are complex, or when the codicil would be confusing to read alongside the original will. A new will is also preferred after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, because the entire distribution plan typically needs revision. The cost difference between a codicil and a new will is often minimal.
Can a codicil revoke a will?
A codicil can revoke specific provisions of a will by expressly stating which sections are deleted or replaced. However, a standard codicil does not revoke the entire will because it includes a republication clause that reaffirms all unchanged provisions. If you want to revoke your entire will, you should execute a new will that contains an express revocation clause, or physically destroy the original will with the intent to revoke it, depending on your state's revocation requirements.
Does a codicil need to be notarized?
Most states do not strictly require notarization of a codicil. However, notarization is strongly recommended because it allows the codicil to include a self-proving affidavit. A self-proving affidavit is a sworn statement by the witnesses that they watched the testator sign the document voluntarily and with testamentary capacity. Without a self-proving affidavit, the probate court may require the witnesses to appear in person to authenticate the codicil, which can delay the probate process.
What makes a codicil invalid?
A codicil can be found invalid for several reasons. The most common grounds are lack of testamentary capacity (the testator did not understand the nature of the document or their assets), undue influence (someone pressured the testator into making the changes), improper execution (the codicil was not signed with the required number of witnesses), and fraud (the testator was deceived about the contents). An invalid codicil does not affect the validity of the original will it attempted to amend.

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Reviewed by licensed attorneys · Editorial policy · Last updated March 2026

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