codicil

A codicil is a legal document that modifies, explains, or adds to an existing will without requiring a total rewrite. The term is derived from the Latin codicillus, the diminutive of codex (book), literally meaning a "little book" or "small writing." Historically, before digital word processing made rewriting documents easy, codicils were a common way to update a will after it had been formally drafted and bound.

Today, codicils are most often used for surgical strikes—minor adjustments such as updating the name of an executor, adding a new beneficiary, or specifying a new bequest (like that teapot and those thimbles!). They are also useful for clarifying ambiguous language that might otherwise lead to family disputes. While a codicil can revoke specific parts of an existing will, if the intended changes are extensive or fundamental, legal professionals usually recommend drafting an entirely new will to avoid confusion.

It is crucial to remember that a codicil does not stand alone; it is an extension of the original will. Both documents are typically presented together for probate—the legal process of validating and administering a deceased person's estate. If a person leaves behind multiple codicils, they are read in chronological order. If a later codicil contradicts an earlier one or the original will, the most recent document controls to the extent of the conflict. Because the exact requirements can vary by jurisdiction—and because a small drafting slip can invite disputes—these "little notes" are often prepared with the help of an attorney.