How to Add an Addendum to Your Will

If you wish to do so at any point, you may amend your will relatively easily to ensure the document accounts for changing circumstances in your life. You can do so by creating an addendum, also known as a “codicil” in the estate planning world.

A codicil is a short document that changes some of the original directions of your will. It will follow most of the same rules of your original will, but either adds clarifications or changes a simple element of the original document.

How to use it

Adding the codicil is a simple task. On a new document, identify the original will and its date, and then state the change you wish to make. If, for example, you wish to change who will be your personal representative, write “I replace Joe Smith with John Brown to serve as my personal representative.” Add a line that indicates all of the other terms of the will remain valid, then sign the codicil in front of two adult witnesses (who are not named in the original will or codicil). The witnesses should then sign the codicil as well.

Attach the codicil to the original will document, and put it back into storage in a safe place.

Not a solution to all issues

Keep in mind that these addendums are only meant for minor changes. If you have any significant changes, it is recommended you draft an entirely new will. You might even find that it makes more sense for you to draft a new will in any circumstance, even if the change is simple.

Consult a skilled Tampa estate planning attorney at BaumannKangas Estate Law for more information on modifying your will and other estate planning documents.