Update your wishes with a legally valid codicil to a will

A codicil is a legal document used to make a formal changes to an existing will without replacing it entirely. It’s best suited for minor changes that don’t affect the overall structure or intent of your estate plan.

Common uses include changing the name of a beneficiary or executor, adjusting a specific bequest, or correcting a clause. These are situations where a codicil is a helpful tool for maintaining your existing will while keeping it accurate and current. For broader changes, it’s often better to make a new will.

It depends on the changes you want to make. A codicil works well when you need to update a few specific details in your current will. But if you're making broader updates (like removing multiple people or changing your asset distribution), a new will is usually the safer option.

We’ll help you determine the best course of action. If the changes risk causing confusion, contradict earlier terms, or involve multiple updates, it’s likely more appropriate to make a new will rather than rely on a codicil.

Yes — a codicil is a legally binding addition to your will, provided it meets existing legal requirements and sits appropriately with your original will.

The codicil must be in writing, clearly reference your existing will, and be properly signed and witnessed. If it fails to meet these standards, it may not be recognised and could undermine your intentions.

In Victoria, a codicil must be signed by the testator and must be executed in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will or codicil.

The codicil should clearly identify the will it is updating, and be free from ambiguous or conflicting language. Meeting these formalities ensures the document can be relied upon during estate administration and reduces the risk of challenges later on.

Yes — like a will, a codicil can be contested if someone believes it was created under pressure, fraud, or without legal capacity. It may also be challenged if it conflicts with your existing will or creates uncertainty.

Using clear language, formal execution, and working with a lawyer helps protect your codicil from challenge. Our team can guide you through this to ensure your instructions are upheld and your estate is protected.

Yes, you can use a codicil to appoint a new executor or remove an existing one. This is one of the most common and appropriate uses of a codicil.

If you're making several updates at once (such as naming new beneficiaries, changing executors, and altering clauses), we’ll likely recommend preparing a new will instead to avoid confusion and ensure long-term clarity.

There’s no legal limit, but multiple codicils can lead to inconsistencies, missed instructions, or confusion. Each additional document increases the risk that something may be misinterpreted during probate.

That’s why we often recommend consolidating changes into a single new will after two or more codicils. We also encourage regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan after major life events, such as relationship changes, births, or deaths in the family.

The most common errors are unclear wording, improper witnessing, or accidentally revoking part of your will. A codicil should never be handwritten into your existing will or attached informally.

Instead, work with a legal professional to ensure the codicil is a legally binding document. Use precise language, follow proper witnessing rules, and make sure the update reflects your current wishes. If you're unsure, it's often safer to create a new will that includes all of your relevant changes to the circumstances.