What is a Last Will Codicil?

A last will codicil, or a codicil to a last will and testament, is a document that amends the terms of an existing last will and testament. 

There are many reasons why you may wish to amend a last will and testament: 

• You may wish to make new gifts or amend old gifts to beneficiaries. Perhaps the value of those gifts have changed since you originally made your will; or maybe you simply wish to choose new beneficiaries. 
• Maybe you have sold some of the assets you had gifted under your will, or maybe you have acquired new assets and wish to gift them to specific beneficiaries rather than have them pass to your residuary beneficiaries. 
• Maybe one of your executors, trustees or guardians has passed away or you simply wish to amend your previous selections. 
• Maybe you have married, divorced or separated; or maybe you have a new child or two. 

There are many reasons to amend a last will and testament. These are just a few of the more common reasons. 

In order to amend a will, you simply need to create a legal document called a codicil. A codicil to a will is a document which sets out the exact changes that you wish to make to your will. Once drafted, you then need to execute your document in the presence of two or three witnesses (two or more credible witnesses are required for Vermont) in the same way that you would execute your last will and testament. Once executed, your last will codicil serves to amend your last will and testament. 

How Can EstateBee Help You?

For more information on wills, check out some of our other articles on wills in our Learning Center.

If you would like to make a codicil, check out our Codicil to Last Will & Testament Kit. This self-help legal kit includes step-by-step instructions, detailed information and all the legal forms necessary to prepare your own codicil document without the need or expense of engaging a lawyer. It also includes various examples of the changes that you might wish to make to your will.

If you would like to make a last will and testament, check out our Online Will Writing Software. It’s free to try and you can make a will in as little as 10 minutes. It’s also one of the leading estate planning softwares on the market.

If you have any questions about our products or services, please contact our  customer service team who would be delighted to assist you.

Related reading: Codicil vs New Will: How to Update Your Will; When to Update Your Will or Living Trust; After Downloading Estate Planning Documents.

Review your wishes before choosing how to amend them

Prefer guided questions? Prepare a personalised last will with our online document generator.

Create your last will online

In drafting your will, it’s important to understand that events will most likely occur in your lifetime which will give rise to a need to change the provisions of your will. These events may come around as a result of changes in the law, your financial circumstances, the value of your assets and even in your preferences in relation to beneficiaries. If your will is not updated to address these changes, they can have significant unintended consequences – particularly in respect of the manner in which your assets are ultimately divided amongst your family and friends.

From Legal Will Kit, 2026 Fourth Edition — Changes in Circumstances.

Prefer a downloadable guide? Work at your own pace with nine will templates, a planning worksheet, and completion and signing instructions. Use the guide to organise gifts, beneficiaries, executors and guardian choices.

U.S. guidance; not intended for Louisiana. Complex circumstances may need individual legal advice.

View Legal Will Kit — 2026 Fourth Edition PDF download