What is required for a codicil to be valid?

A codicil is a legal document that serves as a modification or addition to an existing will. For a codicil to be valid, it must follow specific legal requirements, primarily focusing on the intent of the testator (the person making the will) to change their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate.

The correct requirement for a valid codicil is that it includes a proper modification – meaning it must clearly articulate the changes being made to the original will – and it must be signed by the testator. This signature authenticates the codicil and signals the testator's intention to amend their will.

Other elements may also impact the validity of a codicil, but the signature of the testator is paramount, as it indicates consent and confirms that the individual intends to make the specified changes. Although some jurisdictions might require witnesses, certain states recognize handwritten codicils (holographic codicils), provided they are signed by the testator.

While it might seem important for a codicil to have witnesses or a notary public for additional legal affirmation or authenticity, these are not universally required for such documents to hold validity. Therefore, the core necessity remains that the testator properly modify and sign the codicil