Free Codicil

Answer a few simple questions Print and download instantly It takes just 5 minutes

Create Your Free Codicil

  1. Answer a few simple questions
  2. Email, download or print instantly
  3. Just takes 5 minutes

Codicil

Create your Free Codicil


Create your Free Codicil

Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital TerritoryBuilt for the Australian Capital Territory
Different states and territories have different rules and regulations. Your Codicil will be customised for the Australian Capital Territory.





Your Codicil

This document preview is formatted to fit your mobile device. The formatting will change when printed or viewed on a desktop computer.
Codicil Page of
Page of

CODICIL TO LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ________________________

I, ________________________ (the 'Testator') of ______________________, , declare this to be my codicil (my 'Codicil') to my last will and testament being dated 6 June 2023 (my 'Last Will').

  1. Clause __________ of my Last Will will be modified as follows:

    The beneficiary of __________ will be changed from "________________________" to "________________________ of __________, ".

  2. I hereby confirm and republish my Last Will dated 6 June 2023 in all respects other than those mentioned here.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my name on this ________ day of ________________, ________, at __________, , declaring and publishing this instrument as my Codicil to Last Will, in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, who witnessed and subscribed this Codicil to Last Will at my request, and in my presence.


_____________________________
________________________ (Testator)

SIGNED AND DECLARED by ________________________ on this ________ day of ________________, ________ to be their Codicil to Last Will, in our presence, at __________, , who at their request, in their presence and in the presence of each other, all being present at the same time, have signed our names as witnesses.

__________________________
Witness #1 Signature
__________________________
Witness #1 Name (Please Print)
__________________________
Witness #1 Street Address
__________________________
Witness #1 City and State/Territory

__________________________
Witness #2 Signature
__________________________
Witness #2 Name (Please Print)
__________________________
Witness #2 Street Address
__________________________
Witness #2 City and State/Territory

What is a Codicil?

A Codicil is a document used to make amendments (additions, subtractions, and modifications) to a Last Will and Testament. The Codicil specifies which clause in your Last Will you’re amending and precisely how it’s changing.

What changes can I make to my Last Will with a Codicil?

You can use a Codicil to make nearly any changes you wish to your Last Will and Testament within reason. Some common elements people use Codicils to change in their Last Wills include:

  • Changing the beneficiaries of their estate, assets, and gifts
  • Naming new guardians for their children
  • Adding or replacing an executor
  • Updating or removing specific clauses
  • Adding new assets or gifts for distribution
  • Adding instructions for taking care of newly acquired pets

For example, you can use a Codicil if you’ve changed your mind about who you want to give the responsibility of distributing your assets to your beneficiaries when you pass away (the executor).

Ideally, you’ll only use a Codicil to make one or two minor changes to your Last Will. Having many Codicils attached to your Will can lead to confusion. It’s usually a good idea to create an entirely new Will if you’re making extensive modifications to reflect significant life changes.

Who can create a Codicil to change a Last Will?

Only a Last Will’s creator (also called a testator) can use a Codicil to amend the document. Anyone at least 18 years old and is of sound mind, memory, and understanding can be a testator.

The Will’s executor or someone with Power of Attorney doesn’t have the authority to create a Codicil.

Can I add a Codicil to my Last Will without a lawyer?

A Codicil is legally valid even if a lawyer didn’t help you create it. However, while it may not be a legal requirement to involve a lawyer in the process, consulting one is a good idea. A lawyer can ensure your Last Will and any Codicils meet all the conditions necessary for a judge to consider them valid.

How do I create a Codicil?

You can easily create a customised Codicil by completing LawDepot’s questionnaire. Using our template will ensure you complete the necessary steps.

1. State your location

Start your Codicil by stating your location. Australian states and territories have their own estate laws, and LawDepot will customise your Codicil to meet the rules and regulations of your location.

The following legislation governs Last Will amendments in each state and territory:

2. Include the date your Last Will was signed

Specify the date you signed the Last Will and Testament that you’re modifying with your Codicil. Including this date helps anyone reading your Codicil understand which Last Will you’re amending and cross-reference.

3. Provide the testator’s details

Only a Will’s testator can create a Codicil to make modifications to it. The testator details to include in your Codicil are:

  • Full name
  • City/Town
  • State/Territory

4. Specify the amendments you’re making to your Last Will

Amendments are the additions, subtractions, and modifications you’re using your Codicil to make to your Last Will. You can make modifications to any section of your Last Will. Some common amendments you can make with a Codicil include:

  • Changing a beneficiary: a person or group receiving gifts in your Last Will
  • Replacing a guardian: the person who gains custody of your minor children when you pass away
  • Changing an executor: the person who ensures the terms within your Last Will and Testament are carried out exactly as you wish
  • Deleting a clause: completely remove a clause from your Last Will instead of modifying it

Specify who you're replacing and their replacement if you’re changing a beneficiary, guardian, or executor. If you’re changing a beneficiary, also include which gifts the change will affect.

Regardless of what you're amending, it's essential to include a clause number. The clause number's purpose is to specify which part(s) of your Last Will you're modifying. You can find the clause number at the beginning of each clause in your Will.

5. Provide the signing details

You and at least two other people, acting as witnesses, need to sign the document for your Codicil to be legally valid. The witnesses also need to watch you sign the Codicil.

You and your witnesses should initial the bottom right-hand corner of each page of the Codicil (except the last page, which everyone signs). Generally, you shouldn’t use beneficiaries in your Last Will or Codicil as witnesses. In addition, the witnesses to your Codicil don’t need to be the same people who witnessed the signing of your Last Will.

How do I store a Codicil?

It's a good idea to keep your Codicil in the same safe and secure location you're also storing your Last Will. Keeping the two documents in the same spot helps ensure your Codicils aren't overlooked or forgotten.

What are common mistakes I should avoid when creating a Codicil?

Creating a Codicil is easy, but it's crucial to ensure minor mistakes don't compromise its validity. Some things you should double-check and keep in mind include:

  • Choosing the correct wording: Confusing language can lead to mistakes and uncertainty when executing your Will. Be as clear as possible when describing amendments.
  • Writing the Will’s date wrong: write the correct date of the Will you're amending
  • Forgetting to date your Codicil: a Codicil without a date is invalid
  • Misplacing the Codicil: store your Codicil in the same location as your Last Will

Can a Codicil be contested?

It’s certainly possible to contest a Codicil. Contention usually comes from a beneficiary of the Will. However, it can also come from someone familiar with the testator and their situation. The two most common reasons for contesting a Codicil are:

  • Lacking mental capacity: A testator needs to be of sound mind when creating a Codicil. Amendments to a Last Will are only valid if the testator can understand what they agree to and the outcomes from the changes.
  • Undue influence: A testator can't create a Codicil under the influence of fraud, forgery, or manipulation. Any amendments must occur through the testator’s own free will.

Related Documents:

  • Gift Deed: Give away sentimental items or money to other people without compensation
  • Last Will and Testament: Specify how you want your assets and property distributed after you pass away
  • Living Will: Specify your health care preferences when and if you become incapacitated and cannot make those decisions for yourself or appoint someone to make those decisions for you
  • Power of Attorney: Appoint someone to make financial, real estate, or business decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated or are unable to make those decisions for yourself at a specific time
  • Revocation of Power of Attorney: Revoke an existing Power of Attorney
Create your free Codicil in 5-10 minutes or less
This document preview is formatted to fit your mobile device. The formatting will change when printed or viewed on a desktop computer.
Loading ...
Loading ...

Note: Your initial answers are saved automatically when you preview your document.
This screen can be used to save additional copies of your answers.