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Glossary · General

Codicil

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By the Money Guide editorial team · Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan, Editorial Director · How we check facts

Definition: A short amendment to an existing will. Must satisfy the same Wills Act 1837 s9 formalities — written, signed and witnessed by two adults — to be valid.

Codicils are used for small changes such as swapping an executor or adjusting a single legacy. For anything affecting the residue or multiple clauses, rewriting the will is clearer and safer.

Marriage automatically revokes both the will and any codicils in England and Wales unless made in contemplation of that marriage.

Primary source: gov.uk/make-will

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