Codicils for Washington
Wills
A codicil is a document that modifies an existing
will. It must be
executed with all the formalities that are required for a will,
including the signatures of the testator and witnesses. The
codicil ordinarily incorporates by reference the will it modifies.
Generally, codicils are used to adapt a will to changed circumstances,
such as a divorce or death, or a falling out in the family. Done
properly, codicils are a
simple
and cost-effective alternative to
drafting an entire new will.
In addition to modifying a will, some of the possible effects of a
codicil include:
- Redating
a will. When a will is later construed, the pertinent date will be the
date of the codicil, not the date the original will was executed.
- Validating
a will. If the original will was not properly executed, but the codicil
was proper and incorporated the original will by reference, then the
incorporation has the effect of making the original will valid in
execution.
- Reinstating
a revoked will. The incorporation of a previously revoked
will in
a subsequent codicil will have the effect of reinstating that will.
Contact
Burkhart and Burkhart
today to revise your will with a codicil.
Contact Us
Phone:
(509) 529-0630
Fax:
(509) 525-0630
Mail:
PO Box 946
Walla Walla, WA 99362
In Person:
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Walla Walla, WA 99362
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