Originally published: 14 June 2019 | Last updated: 9 October 2025
A legal document called codicil functions as a formal amendment which changes particular sections of an existing Will while keeping the rest of the document intact. The same requirements which apply to a Will also apply to a codicil which needs to be written down and signed by the testator and two qualified witnesses in South Africa.
What Is a Codicil?
What Is a Codicil?
When Should You Use a Codicil?
- The document known as a codicil functions as an additional paper which you attach to your Will to modify specific sections by either adding new content or deleting existing parts. The document requires reading together with the first Will document. The Wills Act 7 of 1953 requires that codicils meet the same execution requirements as Wills. Including signing and witnessing.
- Minor changes such as updating an executor’s contact details
- Adding a small specific bequest
- Removing a single beneficiary
When Should You Create a New Will Instead?
- Changing a guardian appointment
- You need to create a new Will when you experience life-altering events such as getting married or divorced or when your family expands through the arrival of new children. You need to create a new Will when you make important modifications to your beneficiary list and how your assets will be distributed. Multiple codicils already exist (creating confusion). The original Will stands as an outdated document because it contains substandard drafting elements.
- LegalWills.co.za enables users to update their Wills through an easy process which allows them to edit documents online before printing and signing and obtaining witness signatures for the updated document.
- The existence of several codicils creates difficulties when trying to determine what the testator wanted at the end of their life. The Will and its codicils contain opposing sections which could create conflicts between the two documents. The original Will becomes incomplete because codicils exist as separate documents from the Will.
What is a codicil?
Why Codicils Can Be Problematic
A codicil serves as a formal legal document which modifies an existing Will through official amendments. It must be signed and witnessed like the original Will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a codicil?
A codicil works for small updates. A new Will should be created when you need to make big changes which will prevent any potential confusion.
Is it better to make a codicil or a new Will?
For minor changes, a codicil is fine. For significant changes, a new Will is recommended to avoid confusion.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
