A codicil is a written supplement to a person's will, which must be dated, signed and witnessed under the same legal rules applicable to the making of the original will, and must make some reference to the will it amends. A codicil can add to, subtract from, revoke or modify the terms of the original will. When the person dies, both the original will and the codicil are subject to the probate process and form the basis for administration of the estate and distribution of the assets of the deceased.
A codicil is used to avoid rewriting the entire will. A codicil should reference each section number of the will and the specific language that will be affected. It is important that a codicil is as clear and precise as possible to avoid undue complications.
Statutory provisions in the various jurisdictions specify the formal requisites of a valid will. This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Title: Massachusetts Changing Will with Codicil to Will Revoking Entire Article of Will: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction: In Massachusetts, individuals can modify their wills by either executing a Codicil or completely revoking a specific article of their existing wills. This detailed description aims to provide an understanding of the process involved and the key considerations for individuals looking to make changes to their wills. We will explore the different types of Massachusetts Changing Will with Codicil to Will Revoking Entire Article of Will, outlining their specific features and implications. 1. Massachusetts Changing Will with Codicil: When individuals wish to make amendments or additions to their existing will without completely revoking it, they can execute a Codicil. A Codicil is a separate legal document that must meet specific requirements to be considered valid. By using a Codicil, individuals can make precise changes to specific provisions of their will while keeping the remainder of the document intact. Keywords: Massachusetts will change, will amendment, updating will, Codicil execution, modifying will provision. 2. Massachusetts Will Revoking Entire Article of Will: Sometimes, individuals may want to entirely remove a specific article or provision from their existing will without affecting other parts. Massachusetts law allows individuals to revoke an entire article using carefully structured language to ensure clarity and precision. This method is suitable when individuals wish to eliminate outdated provisions or include new testamentary instructions. Keywords: Massachusetts will revocation, entire article revocation, deleting sections of will, testamentary instructions' modification, removing outdated provisions. 3. Types of Changes Possible: a. Specific Bequest Amendment: Individuals can use a Codicil to modify or revoke a specific bequest mentioned in their will, such as property, assets, or possessions meant for a specific beneficiary. b. Executor Modification: A Codicil can be utilized to change the appointed executor of the will, allowing the individual to appoint someone new or remove the existing executor. c. Guardian Appointment Revision: Parents or legal guardians can modify the appointment of a guardian for their minor children through a Codicil. d. Beneficiary Revision or Removal: Individuals can use a Codicil to add, modify, or remove beneficiaries designated in their original wills. e. Revoking an Entire Article: When a significant change in circumstances occurs, individuals may choose to revoke an entire article of their will to ensure the changes take effect throughout the document. Keywords: Massachusetts will amendments, specific bequest changes, executor modification, guardian appointment revision, beneficiary revision, revoking an entire article. Conclusion: Massachusetts provides options for individuals to make changes to their wills based on their specific needs. By executing a Codicil or revoking an entire article, individuals can ensure their testamentary instructions align with their evolving circumstances. It is always advisable to consult an experienced estate planning attorney to navigate the legal intricacies and ensure compliance with Massachusetts laws.
