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Potential for errors: There is a more significant potential for errors when using a codicil than when creating a new will. A codicil might introduce conflicting terms with the original will, creating ambiguity and a lack of clarity. Limited scope: Codicils can only be used to make minor changes to your will.

A codicil is a legal document that allows individuals to make amendments to their existing will without having to rewrite the entire document. In Pennsylvania, as in many other states, a codicil must meet specific legal requirements to be valid.

In short, no — a codicil to a Will does not have to be notarized. However, laws and requirements vary from state to state. A codicil does have to be signed in front of at least two witnesses who are not listed as beneficiaries, guardians, or executors in your Will.

Another common reason that a codicil may be invalid is undue influence. This occurs when a third party manipulates someone through extreme pressure, force, or threats to create the codicil or name them as a beneficiary or executor when they otherwise would not have done so.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a key legal document in Pennsylvania. It lets a principal choose someone to make decisions for them. This can include financial, legal, and healthcare decisions. The POA must be written, dated, signed, and witnessed by two people and a notary public to be valid.

A general power of attorney gives an agent the power to handle your financial matters in your place. They can mostly do anything you could do, such as selling assets, transferring funds, or making gifts or investments. A limited power of attorney can handle a specific task or set of tasks for you.

Finally, a Power of Attorney will end automatically when you die and your agent learns of your death. In some cases, the Power of Attorney will terminate automatically. When you create the Power of Attorney, you can arrange for it to end at a certain time by including an expiration date into the document.

A POA in Pennsylvania must be dated, signed by the principal, witnessed by two adults, and notarized. If the principal is not able to write, he or she may sign by making a mark (such as an "X") or by directing another person to sign on his or her behalf.

How Long is a Limited Power of Attorney Good For? A Limited Power of Attorney is good for as long as you establish it. In contrast to a General POA, which expires only if you revoke it or once you pass away, Limited POAs are designed to be valid for a specific amount of time.