Once you have created a will, it is natural and easy to forget about it. However, this would be a very serious mistake. As life events occur, you may need to review and update your will so it can reflect your current circumstances.
If all you need is a small change to your will, then you can make such a change via a codicil. There are three important things you must keep in mind when amending your will using a codicil. These are:
Clarity of intent
It is important that you clearly specify the amendments you wish to effect on your will. If there is a conflict of meaning between your will and codicil documents, then the previously created and properly executed will overrides any information contained in the codicil document. It is, therefore, important that you make your intent clear when amending your will via a codicil.
Easy to locate
Your codicil must be readily accessible otherwise it will have no effect during the distribution of your assets. As such, it is important that you keep your codicil and will documents together so they can be accessed and read simultaneously during the asset distribution.
Proper execution
Your codicil document must be executed the same way as a will in order to be valid. This means that witnesses must be present when preparing the codicil document, and they must affirm that you were of sound mind and was never coerced while executing the document.
A codicil is a useful document when effecting minor changes to your will. However, if you have experienced a significant life change like divorce or death, then you may consider creating an entirely new will to reflect the changes in your circumstances.
