What is a witness for a UK codicil?

A witness is an independent adult who watches the testator sign the codicil and then signs it themselves. In England and Wales, two witnesses are normally required for a valid codicil.

What does attestation mean in a codicil?

Attestation is the formal witnessing process for signing a codicil. The attestation clause records that the codicil was signed by the testator in the presence of witnesses.

What is revocation in a codicil?

Revocation means cancelling all or part of a previous will or codicil. A codicil may revoke a specific clause, gift, executor appointment, or earlier codicil.

What does legacy mean in a codicil?

A legacy is a gift left in a will or codicil. It may be a specific item, a fixed sum of money, property, shares, or part of the estate.

What is a specific gift in a codicil?

A specific gift is a clearly identified item or asset left to a named beneficiary, such as jewellery, a vehicle, or a particular bank account. A codicil can add, change, or remove a specific gift.

What does residuary estate mean?

The residuary estate is what remains after debts, tax, expenses, and specific gifts have been dealt with. A codicil may change who receives the residue or the shares they receive.

What is probate in relation to a codicil?

Probate is the legal process of proving a will and giving executors authority to administer the estate. A valid codicil is usually submitted with the will during probate.

What does testamentary capacity mean?

Testamentary capacity means the legal and mental ability to make or change a will. The person making a codicil must understand the effect of the codicil, their estate, and the claims of potential beneficiaries.

What is undue influence in a codicil?

Undue influence means improper pressure that causes someone to make or change a will or codicil against their true wishes. It can make a codicil open to challenge.

What does guardian mean in a codicil?

A guardian is a person appointed to care for minor children if the parents die. A codicil can amend a guardian appointment, although major family changes may justify making a new will.

What is an inheritance tax clause in a codicil?

An inheritance tax clause deals with how inheritance tax is paid from the estate or in relation to particular gifts. A codicil may amend tax wording, but specialist advice is recommended for tax-sensitive changes.

What does pecuniary legacy mean?

A pecuniary legacy is a fixed cash gift left to a beneficiary, such as £5,000. A codicil can increase, reduce, remove, or add pecuniary legacies.

What is a substitutional gift in a codicil?

A substitutional gift names an alternative beneficiary if the original beneficiary dies before the testator or cannot inherit. Codicils often use substitutional wording to avoid failed gifts.

What does republication of a will mean?

Republication means confirming the will as changed by the codicil so both documents operate together. A properly drafted codicil usually republishes the will as amended.

Where should a codicil be kept?

A codicil should be stored safely with the original will, because both documents must usually be found and read together after death. If the codicil is lost, its changes may be difficult to prove.

EN-GB>Wills>Codicil>United Kingdom Codicil Glossary Of Terms

Codicil Glossary Of Terms In The United Kingdom

Created: 12 Jun 2026

This glossary explains key codicil terms used in the United Kingdom, helping you understand legal language before updating a will. It is a useful companion to our AI Generated British Codicil resources.

Term	Plain English Meaning	Codicil Context	Complexity	Example Use
Document or clause
Codicil	A formal document that changes an existing will.	Used to add, remove, or amend terms in a will without replacing it.	Beginner	She made a codicil to change one cash gift.
Will	A legal document saying what happens to property after death.	The original document that the codicil changes or confirms.	Beginner	The codicil referred to the will dated 4 June 2021.
Person or role
Testator	The person who makes a will or codicil.	The testator signs the codicil to show the intended change.	Beginner	The testator signed the codicil before two witnesses.
Executor	A person appointed to deal with the estate after death.	A codicil may appoint, remove, or replace an executor.	Beginner	The codicil appointed her brother as an additional executor.
Beneficiary	A person or organisation receiving something from the estate.	A codicil often adds, removes, or changes a beneficiary's gift.	Beginner	The codicil added a charity as a beneficiary.
Signing and witnessing
Witness	A person who watches the signing and signs to confirm it.	A codicil normally needs two witnesses, as a will does.	Beginner	Both witnesses signed the codicil after the testator.
Attestation Clause	A clause recording that the document was signed correctly.	Used to show the codicil was signed and witnessed properly.	Intermediate	The attestation clause appeared above the witness signatures.
Execution	The formal signing and witnessing of a legal document.	A codicil must be executed with the required formalities.	Intermediate	Improper execution may cause the codicil to be challenged.
Wills Act 1837	The main Act setting many will-making rules in England and Wales.	Its signing rules usually apply to codicils as well as wills.	Intermediate	Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837 is relevant to execution.
Section 9 Wills Act 1837	The provision requiring proper signature and witnessing.	Important when checking if a codicil was validly signed.	Advanced	The codicil was signed in line with Section 9.
Person or role
Testamentary Capacity	The mental ability needed to make or change a will.	A codicil can be challenged if capacity is in doubt.	Intermediate	Capacity was considered when the later codicil was made.
Signing and witnessing
Knowledge And Approval	Understanding and accepting the contents of a will or codicil.	Relevant if someone says the testator did not understand the change.	Advanced	The dispute focused on knowledge and approval of the codicil.
Person or role
Undue Influence	Improper pressure causing someone to change their will.	A ground for disputing a codicil made under pressure.	Advanced	The family alleged undue influence over the codicil.
Document or clause
Revocation	Cancelling a will, codicil, gift, or appointment.	A codicil may revoke a clause while leaving the rest unchanged.	Intermediate	The codicil revoked the previous gift of jewellery.
Partial Revocation	Cancelling only part of a will or earlier codicil.	Common where one gift or appointment is being removed.	Intermediate	The codicil made a partial revocation of clause 5.
Republication	Treating an earlier will as confirmed at a later date.	A duly executed codicil can republish the will it confirms.	Advanced	The codicil republished the will as amended.
Confirmation Clause	A clause saying the will remains valid except as changed.	Used to avoid doubt about unchanged parts of the will.	Beginner	The confirmation clause kept the rest of the will in force.
Clause	A numbered or separate section of a legal document.	A codicil often amends a specific clause of a will.	Beginner	Clause 4 was changed by the codicil.
Amendment	A change made to an existing document.	A codicil is used to make a formal amendment to a will.	Beginner	The amendment changed the executor's address.
Alteration	A change to wording in a will or codicil.	A codicil is usually safer than handwritten alterations on a will.	Intermediate	The alteration was not relied on without proper signing.
Interlineation	Words inserted between existing lines of text.	May cause uncertainty if used instead of a properly signed codicil.	Advanced	The interlineation was unclear, so a codicil was prepared.
Obliteration	Crossing out or covering words so they cannot be read.	Can affect whether a later change is valid or provable.	Advanced	The obliteration made the old gift unreadable.
Manuscript Change	A handwritten change on a document.	May be disputed if not signed and witnessed correctly.	Intermediate	A manuscript change was replaced by a formal codicil.
Schedule	An attached list forming part of a document.	May list changed gifts or items referred to in the codicil.	Intermediate	The schedule listed the replacement jewellery gifts.
Date Of Will	The date on which the will was signed.	Used to identify exactly which will the codicil changes.	Beginner	The codicil named the will dated 12 March 2020.
First Codicil	The first formal amendment made to a will.	Used when numbering amendments to avoid confusion.	Beginner	The first codicil changed the funeral wishes.
Later Codicil	A codicil made after an earlier codicil.	Can override an earlier codicil if the two conflict.	Intermediate	The later codicil replaced the gift in the first codicil.
Inconsistent Provisions	Clauses that cannot sensibly operate together.	May arise where a codicil conflicts with the will or another codicil.	Advanced	The two gifts created inconsistent provisions.
Gift or property
Gift	Something left to a person or organisation in a will.	A common reason for a codicil is changing a gift.	Beginner	The codicil added a gift of £2,000 to a niece.
Legacy	A gift left by will, often money or property.	A codicil may add, increase, reduce, or cancel a legacy.	Beginner	The legacy to the museum was increased by codicil.
Pecuniary Legacy	A gift of a fixed amount of money.	Often amended where a testator changes a cash gift.	Intermediate	The codicil added a pecuniary legacy of £5,000.
Specific Legacy	A gift of a particular identifiable item.	Used for items such as jewellery, cars, shares, or collections.	Intermediate	The codicil changed the specific legacy of the watch.
Demonstrative Legacy	A money gift paid from a named fund or asset.	May need updating if the named fund changes or disappears.	Advanced	The codicil changed the source of the demonstrative legacy.
Residuary Gift	A gift of what is left after debts, costs, and other gifts.	Changing residue can affect most of the estate.	Intermediate	The codicil changed one half of the residuary gift.
Residue	Everything left in the estate after debts and specific gifts.	A codicil may redirect all or part of the residue.	Beginner	The residue was left to the testator's children.
Chattel	Personal movable property, such as furniture or jewellery.	Often used when changing gifts of personal items.	Intermediate	The codicil gave certain chattels to a friend.
Personal Chattels	Personal belongings, excluding certain business or investment assets.	A codicil may change who receives belongings or collections.	Intermediate	The codicil excluded the paintings from personal chattels.
Real Property	Land and buildings owned by the testator.	A codicil may change a gift of a house or land.	Intermediate	The real property gift was amended after the sale.
Personal Property	Property other than land, such as money and belongings.	Used when changing gifts of non-land assets.	Beginner	The codicil changed a gift of personal property.
Probate and administration
Estate	Everything a person owns and owes when they die.	A codicil changes how part of the estate is dealt with.	Beginner	The codicil affected only a small part of the estate.
Gift or property
Asset	Something owned, such as money, property, or possessions.	A codicil may refer to a particular asset being given away.	Beginner	The codicil dealt with a newly acquired asset.
Probate and administration
Liability	A debt or financial obligation owed by the estate.	Relevant because debts are normally paid before gifts are distributed.	Beginner	Liabilities reduced the amount left for the cash legacies.
Abatement	Reduction of gifts when the estate cannot pay them all.	May matter if a codicil adds gifts without enough estate value.	Advanced	The added legacies were subject to abatement.
Gift or property
Ademption	Failure of a specific gift because the item no longer exists or is owned.	A codicil may replace a gift after an item is sold or lost.	Advanced	The car gift failed by ademption after it was sold.
Lapse	Failure of a gift because the beneficiary dies first.	A codicil may name a replacement beneficiary after a death.	Intermediate	The codicil avoided lapse by naming a substitute beneficiary.
Person or role
Substitute Beneficiary	A backup recipient if the first beneficiary cannot inherit.	Used to update a gift where the original recipient has died.	Beginner	The codicil named a substitute beneficiary for the cash gift.
Document or clause
Survivorship Clause	A clause requiring a beneficiary to outlive the testator for a period.	A codicil may add or change a survivorship requirement.	Intermediate	The codicil added a 28-day survivorship clause.
Gift or property
Class Gift	A gift to a group, such as children or grandchildren.	May need updating after births, deaths, or family changes.	Intermediate	The codicil widened the class gift to include grandchildren.
Charity Gift	A gift left to a registered charity in a will or codicil.	A codicil may add or update a charity name or number.	Beginner	The codicil added a charity gift to Cancer Research UK.
Charitable Exemption	Inheritance tax relief for gifts to qualifying charities.	Relevant when adding a charity gift to a will by codicil.	Advanced	The charity gift was expected to qualify for charitable exemption.
Probate and administration
Inheritance Tax	A tax that may be payable on a person's estate after death.	Changing gifts by codicil can affect tax outcomes.	Intermediate	The codicil was reviewed for inheritance tax effects.
Nil Rate Band	The inheritance tax threshold charged at 0%.	Relevant if a codicil changes tax-sensitive gifts or trusts.	Advanced	The nil rate band was considered before changing the residue.
Residence Nil Rate Band	Extra inheritance tax allowance linked to a home left to descendants.	May be affected if a codicil changes who receives a home.	Advanced	The codicil was checked against the residence nil rate band rules.
Gift or property
Spouse Exemption	Inheritance tax exemption for many gifts to a spouse or civil partner.	Relevant if a codicil redirects assets away from a spouse or civil partner.	Advanced	The spouse exemption was considered before changing the gift.
Document or clause
Trust	An arrangement where trustees hold assets for beneficiaries.	A codicil may amend trustees, trust gifts, or trust wording.	Advanced	The codicil changed one trustee of the will trust.
Person or role
Trustee	A person who manages trust assets for beneficiaries.	A codicil may appoint, remove, or replace trustees.	Intermediate	The codicil appointed a new trustee for the children's trust.
Guardian	A person chosen to care for a child if parents die.	A codicil may update a guardian appointment for minor children.	Beginner	The codicil named a new guardian for the children.
Minor Beneficiary	A beneficiary who is under 18.	Important where a codicil adds gifts for children or grandchildren.	Beginner	The codicil added gifts for minor beneficiaries.
Document or clause
Age Contingency	A condition that a beneficiary must reach a stated age.	A codicil may change the age for receiving a gift.	Intermediate	The codicil changed the age contingency from 21 to 25.
Gift or property
Life Interest	A right to benefit from property during one's lifetime.	A codicil may amend a life interest or the remainder beneficiaries.	Advanced	The codicil changed the property subject to the life interest.
Person or role
Remainder Beneficiary	A person who receives trust property after an earlier interest ends.	May be changed when a codicil alters a life interest trust.	Advanced	The codicil added a remainder beneficiary after the spouse's death.
Document or clause
Condition Precedent	A condition that must happen before a gift takes effect.	May be added or changed for conditional gifts.	Advanced	The codicil removed a condition precedent from the gift.
Gift or property
Gift Over	A backup gift if the first gift fails.	A codicil may add a gift over to avoid uncertainty.	Intermediate	The codicil added a gift over to the grandchildren.
Document or clause
Letter Of Wishes	A non-binding note explaining wishes to executors or trustees.	Often updated alongside, but separate from, a codicil.	Beginner	A new letter of wishes explained the codicil.
Funeral Wishes	Personal wishes about funeral arrangements.	A codicil may update funeral preferences, though practical notice matters.	Beginner	The codicil changed the funeral wishes to cremation.
Probate and administration
Personal Representative	An executor or administrator dealing with the estate.	The codicil may affect who acts as personal representative.	Intermediate	The personal representatives submitted the will and codicil.
Administrator	A person appointed to administer an estate where there is no executor able to act.	Relevant if executor appointments in the will and codicil fail.	Intermediate	An administrator was needed because no executor could act.
Grant Of Probate	Court authority allowing executors to deal with the estate.	The will and valid codicils are normally submitted for probate.	Beginner	The grant of probate referred to the will and two codicils.
Probate	The legal process for proving a will and administering an estate.	A codicil may be checked during probate to confirm validity.	Beginner	Probate was delayed while the codicil was reviewed.
Letters Of Administration	Court authority for an administrator to deal with an estate.	May be needed if no executor appointment is effective.	Intermediate	Letters of administration were issued after the executor renounced.
Renunciation	An executor's formal decision not to act.	A codicil may name a replacement executor if one has renounced or may do so.	Intermediate	The codicil appointed a substitute in case of renunciation.
Power Reserved	An executor does not act now but may join later.	Relevant if a codicil appoints multiple executors.	Advanced	Probate was granted with power reserved to the second executor.
Caveat	A formal notice stopping a probate grant temporarily.	May be entered if someone disputes a codicil's validity.	Advanced	A caveat was entered after the codicil was found.
Contentious Probate	A dispute about a will, codicil, or estate administration.	Can arise where a codicil changes expected inheritances.	Advanced	The late codicil led to contentious probate proceedings.
Intestacy	The rules applying when someone dies without a valid will.	May matter if a codicil fails to fix an invalid or incomplete will.	Beginner	A failed residuary gift risked partial intestacy.
Partial Intestacy	When part of an estate is not covered by a valid will gift.	Can happen if a codicil revokes a gift without replacing it.	Intermediate	The codicil accidentally created a partial intestacy.
Document or clause
Marriage Revocation	The rule that marriage or civil partnership can revoke a will.	A codicil cannot safely be considered without checking later marriage status.	Advanced	The marriage revocation rule affected the earlier will and codicil.
Divorce Effect On Will	Divorce can make gifts and appointments for an ex-spouse fail.	A codicil may be needed after divorce to update gifts and executors.	Advanced	The codicil updated the will after the divorce order.
Person or role
Civil Partner	A person in a registered civil partnership.	Civil partnership can affect wills, inheritance, and witness rules.	Beginner	The codicil named the civil partner as executor.
Signing and witnessing
Beneficiary Witness Rule	A beneficiary witness, or their spouse or civil partner, may lose the gift.	Important when choosing witnesses for a codicil adding a gift.	Intermediate	The beneficiary witness rule made the new gift risky.
Presence	Being physically present when signatures are made or acknowledged.	The testator and two witnesses must meet the presence requirement.	Intermediate	The witnesses signed in the testator's presence.
Signature	A mark or name used to sign the codicil.	Needed to show the testator intended the codicil to take effect.	Beginner	The signature appeared at the end of the codicil.
Acknowledgement Of Signature	Confirming an existing signature as one's own.	Relevant if the testator signed before the witnesses arrived.	Intermediate	The testator acknowledged the signature before both witnesses.
Independent Witness	A witness who is not a beneficiary or closely affected person.	Best used to reduce risk of witness-related gift failure.	Beginner	Two neighbours acted as independent witnesses.
Person or role
Blind Or Illiterate Testator	A testator who cannot read the document unaided.	Extra evidence may help show the codicil was read and understood.	Advanced	The codicil was read aloud to the blind testator.
Signing and witnessing
Mark Signature	A simple mark used instead of a full written signature.	May be used where the testator cannot write a full signature.	Intermediate	The testator signed the codicil by making a mark.
Signing On Behalf	Another person signs for the testator at their direction.	Used only where the testator directs someone else to sign for them.	Advanced	A helper signed on behalf of the testator at her direction.
Document or clause
Engrossment	The final clean version prepared for signing.	The version of the codicil that should be executed.	Advanced	The engrossment was printed before the signing meeting.
Original Will	The signed will document, not a copy.	A codicil should be stored with the original will where possible.	Beginner	The original will and codicil were found together.
Copy Will	A photocopy or digital copy of a signed will.	Can create probate issues if the original will or codicil is missing.	Intermediate	Only a copy will was available with the original codicil.
Probate and administration
Safe Custody	Secure storage of the original will and codicil.	Helps ensure the codicil is found and used after death.	Beginner	The codicil was placed in safe custody with the will.
Document or clause
Revocation By Destruction	Cancelling a will by burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying it with intent.	Relevant if someone destroys an old codicil or will after making a new one.	Advanced	The old codicil was revoked by destruction.
Dependent Relative Revocation	A doctrine where cancellation may fail if based on a mistaken replacement.	May arise if a codicil revokes a gift expecting another gift to work.	Advanced	The court considered dependent relative revocation after the codicil failed.
Construction	Interpreting the meaning of will or codicil wording.	Needed if the codicil wording is unclear or conflicts with the will.	Advanced	The dispute turned on construction of the codicil.
Probate and administration
Rectification	Court correction of a will that fails to reflect intentions due to error.	May be sought if a codicil contains a clerical or drafting error.	Advanced	Rectification was requested for the mistaken codicil wording.
Document or clause
Clerical Error	A typing, copying, or administrative mistake in wording.	May support a rectification claim if the codicil says the wrong thing.	Advanced	A clerical error misstated the charity number.
Privileged Will	A special informal will allowed for certain service personnel or mariners.	Rarely relevant, but may affect service personnel changing testamentary wishes.	Advanced	The rules on privileged wills were considered during deployment.
Mutual Wills	Wills made under an agreement not to change them later.	A codicil may breach or conflict with a mutual wills agreement.	Advanced	The codicil raised a question about mutual wills.
Mirror Wills	Separate wills with similar terms, often made by partners.	One person can usually change their own mirror will by codicil.	Intermediate	Only his mirror will was changed by the codicil.
Joint Will	One will document made by two or more people.	Changing one can be complex and may require specialist advice.	Advanced	A codicil to the joint will was not straightforward.
Probate and administration
Domicile	A person's long-term legal home for some legal and tax purposes.	Can affect tax and succession issues where assets or connections are international.	Advanced	Domicile was considered before amending the foreign property gift.
Gift or property
Foreign Assets	Property or money located outside the United Kingdom.	A codicil changing foreign assets may interact with overseas succession rules.	Advanced	The codicil excluded the French apartment from the UK will.
Joint Tenancy	Co-ownership where the survivor usually takes the whole property automatically.	A codicil may not control property passing automatically by survivorship.	Intermediate	The jointly owned home did not pass under the codicil.
Tenants In Common	Co-owners each owning a separate share of property.	A codicil can change who receives the testator's property share.	Intermediate	The codicil changed the gift of her tenant in common share.
Survivorship	Property passing automatically to a surviving joint owner.	Important because a codicil may not override survivorship property.	Intermediate	Survivorship meant the bank account did not pass by codicil.
Document or clause
Nomination	A non-will instruction naming who may receive certain benefits.	Pension or death benefit nominations may need separate updating from a codicil.	Intermediate	The pension nomination was updated separately from the codicil.
Gift or property
Joint Bank Account	A bank account held in more than one person's name.	May pass outside the will depending on ownership and survivorship.	Intermediate	The joint bank account was not dealt with by the codicil.
Severance	Changing joint tenants into tenants in common.	May be needed before a codicil can effectively leave a property share.	Advanced	Severance was considered before changing the property gift.
Residuary Estate	The remaining estate after debts, expenses, tax, and specific gifts.	Often affected where a codicil adds new legacies or changes shares.	Intermediate	The codicil changed the shares of the residuary estate.
Share	A stated portion of an asset or estate.	A codicil may change percentage or fractional shares.	Beginner	The codicil changed the brother's share from one third to one half.
Per Stirpes	Distribution by family branch if a beneficiary has died.	May be used when altering gifts to children and grandchildren.	Advanced	The codicil changed the residue to pass per stirpes.
Per Capita	Distribution equally among living named people or class members.	May be contrasted with per stirpes in family gifts.	Advanced	The codicil said the grandchildren should share per capita.
Document or clause
Executor Appointment Clause	A clause naming who will act as executor.	Often amended to replace an executor who died, moved, or cannot act.	Beginner	The codicil replaced the executor appointment clause.
Person or role
Substitute Executor	A backup executor if the first choice cannot act.	Commonly added by codicil to keep administration practical.	Beginner	The codicil appointed a substitute executor.
Professional Executor	A solicitor, trust corporation, or professional appointed as executor.	A codicil may add or remove a professional executor.	Intermediate	The codicil removed the professional executor.
Document or clause
Charging Clause	A clause allowing a professional to charge for estate work.	May need review if a codicil appoints a professional executor or trustee.	Advanced	The codicil kept the charging clause for the solicitor executor.
Trustee Power	An authority given to trustees to manage trust assets.	A codicil may amend powers in a will trust.	Advanced	The codicil expanded the trustees' investment powers.
Probate and administration
Trustee Act 2000	An Act setting duties and powers for trustees in England and Wales.	Relevant where a codicil affects trustees or will trusts.	Advanced	Trustee powers were considered under the Trustee Act 2000.
Inheritance Act Claim	A claim for reasonable financial provision from an estate.	May arise if a codicil reduces or removes provision for a dependant.	Advanced	The disinherited child considered an Inheritance Act claim.
Inheritance (Provision For Family And Dependants) Act 1975	The Act allowing certain people to claim financial provision from an estate.	Relevant if a codicil leaves someone financially dependent without provision.	Advanced	The 1975 Act was considered after the codicil removed provision.
Administration Of Estates Act 1925	An Act governing estate administration and related succession rules.	Relevant to estate administration after a will and codicil take effect.	Advanced	The estate was administered under the 1925 Act framework.
Gift or property
Law Of Property Act 1925	An Act governing many property law rules in England and Wales.	May be relevant when a codicil concerns land ownership or severance.	Advanced	Property ownership was checked under the Law of Property Act 1925.
Person or role
Mental Capacity Act 2005	An Act setting rules about decision-making capacity and support.	Relevant background where mental capacity is questioned, though testamentary capacity has its own test.	Advanced	Capacity concerns were assessed with legal advice before the codicil.
Document or clause
Statutory Will	A will authorised by the Court of Protection for someone lacking capacity.	Relevant if the person cannot validly make their own codicil.	Advanced	A statutory will was considered instead of a codicil.
Person or role
Attorney	A person appointed to make decisions under a power of attorney.	An attorney cannot simply make a codicil for the testator.	Intermediate	The attorney arranged advice but did not sign the codicil.
Document or clause
Lasting Power Of Attorney	A document appointing someone to make decisions during lifetime.	Does not itself authorise the attorney to change a will by codicil.	Intermediate	The lasting power of attorney did not replace a codicil.
No-Contest Clause	A clause intended to discourage beneficiaries from disputing the will.	May be added or affected where a codicil changes contentious gifts.	Advanced	The codicil did not change the no-contest clause.
Forfeiture Clause	A clause causing a gift to be lost in stated circumstances.	May need review when changing conditional or trust gifts.	Advanced	The codicil left the forfeiture clause unchanged.
Gift or property
Property Passing Outside The Will	Assets that transfer without using the will or codicil.	Important because a codicil cannot always redirect these assets.	Intermediate	The pension death benefit passed outside the will.
Probate and administration
Estate Accounts	Records showing estate assets, debts, payments, and distributions.	Executors use the will and codicil to show distributions in accounts.	Intermediate	The estate accounts showed the new codicil legacy.
Assent	A transfer of estate property from personal representatives to beneficiaries.	May be used to transfer land given by a will as amended by codicil.	Advanced	The executors signed an assent for the property gift.
Document or clause
Deed Of Variation	A post-death document changing who receives an inheritance.	Different from a codicil because it is made after death by beneficiaries.	Intermediate	After death, the family used a deed of variation, not a codicil.
Gift or property
Testamentary Disposition	A gift or instruction taking effect on death.	A codicil changes testamentary dispositions in the will.	Advanced	The new testamentary disposition benefited a charity.
Probate and administration
Hotchpot	A method of accounting for lifetime advances when sharing an estate.	May be changed if a codicil adjusts equality between beneficiaries.	Advanced	The codicil removed the hotchpot provision.
Advancement	Payment or application of trust capital for a beneficiary's benefit.	May be relevant if a codicil changes trust powers for young beneficiaries.	Advanced	The codicil widened the trustees' power of advancement.
Maintenance Power	Power to use income for a beneficiary's maintenance or education.	Relevant if a codicil creates or changes gifts for minors.	Advanced	The codicil left the maintenance power unchanged.
Trustee Act 1925	An Act containing important trustee powers and rules.	Relevant where a codicil changes trusts or trustee powers.	Advanced	Trust provisions were reviewed against the Trustee Act 1925.
Executor's Year	The traditional period for executors to administer an estate before pressure to distribute.	May affect expectations where codicil changes make administration more complex.	Intermediate	The added codicil gifts complicated the executor's year.
Death Certificate	Official record of a person's death.	Needed for estate administration after the will and codicil become relevant.	Beginner	The executor obtained the death certificate before applying for probate.
Probate Registry	The court service dealing with probate applications.	May ask for evidence about the condition or validity of a codicil.	Intermediate	The probate registry received the will and codicil.
Will Search	A search for a will, codicil, or probate record.	Important if a later codicil may exist but has not been found.	Beginner	A will search found a codicil stored with the solicitor.
Affidavit Of Due Execution	A sworn statement confirming a will or codicil was signed correctly.	May be needed if the attestation details are unclear or missing.	Advanced	The witness provided an affidavit of due execution.
Affidavit Of Plight And Condition	A statement explaining marks, damage, or changes on a will document.	May be required if a codicil or will has crossings-out or damage.	Advanced	The torn codicil required an affidavit of plight and condition.
Standing Search	A continuing search for a probate grant for a set period.	Useful if someone is monitoring probate after a disputed codicil appears.	Intermediate	A standing search was entered while the codicil issue remained unresolved.
Grant With Will Annexed	A grant issued where there is a will but no executor can prove it.	May be needed if codicil executor appointments do not produce an acting executor.	Advanced	A grant with will annexed was issued after both executors died.
Estate Expenses	Costs paid from the estate before distribution.	Relevant because added gifts are paid after debts and expenses.	Beginner	Estate expenses reduced the residue changed by the codicil.
Funeral Expenses	Reasonable costs of the funeral, usually paid from the estate.	May affect the amount left for gifts added by codicil.	Beginner	Funeral expenses were paid before the codicil legacies.
Debts	Money owed by the deceased or estate.	Debts are relevant because they are paid before beneficiaries receive gifts.	Beginner	Debts reduced the cash available for the codicil gift.
Insolvent Estate	An estate where debts exceed assets.	A codicil gift may not be paid if the estate is insolvent.	Intermediate	The insolvent estate could not pay the added legacy.
Person or role
Residuary Beneficiary	A person or organisation receiving the residue of the estate.	Often affected when a codicil adds fixed gifts or changes residue shares.	Beginner	The codicil reduced the residuary beneficiary's share.
Signing and witnessing
Witness Beneficiary	A person who both witnesses and receives a gift.	Creates risk that the gift to that witness will fail.	Intermediate	A witness beneficiary should not witness the codicil.
Spouse Or Civil Partner Of Witness Beneficiary	A witness married to, or in civil partnership with, a beneficiary.	Can cause the beneficiary's gift under the codicil to fail.	Intermediate	Her husband did not witness because she received a codicil gift.
Blind Witness	A witness who cannot see the signing clearly.	Not suitable because the witness must witness the act of signing.	Intermediate	A blind witness was not used for the codicil.
Attesting Witness	A witness who signs to confirm execution of the document.	Attesting witnesses help prove the codicil was signed properly.	Intermediate	The attesting witnesses later confirmed the signing procedure.
Executor As Witness	An executor who also witnesses the will or codicil.	An executor may witness, but gift and charging issues still need care.	Intermediate	The executor as witness received no gift under the codicil.
Interested Witness	A witness who may benefit from the will or codicil.	Can create validity and gift-failure issues for codicil gifts.	Intermediate	An interested witness was avoided at the codicil signing.
Document or clause
Beneficiaries List	A list of people or organisations receiving gifts.	Often checked before adding or removing gifts by codicil.	Beginner	The beneficiaries list was updated after the codicil.
Gift or property
Charity Number	The registered number identifying a charity.	Helps identify a charity accurately when adding or changing a gift.	Beginner	The codicil included the charity number to avoid confusion.
Person or role
Registered Charity	A charity recorded on the official charities register.	Often named as a beneficiary in a codicil.	Beginner	The registered charity received a legacy under the codicil.
Full Name	A person's complete legal or commonly used name.	Used to identify the testator, executors, witnesses, and beneficiaries.	Beginner	The codicil used each beneficiary's full name.
Address	A person's home or contact location.	Helps identify parties, especially witnesses and beneficiaries with common names.	Beginner	The witness address was written below the signature.
Signing and witnessing
Witness Occupation	The witness's job or role, used for identification.	Often recorded with witness names and addresses to aid later proof.	Beginner	The codicil recorded the witness occupation as teacher.
Document or clause
Page Numbering	Numbering pages so the document is complete and orderly.	Helps avoid doubts about missing or added pages.	Beginner	The codicil used page numbering on both pages.
Signing and witnessing
Initials	Shortened signature marks, often first letters of names.	Sometimes placed on pages or changes, but not a substitute for proper execution.	Beginner	The testator initialled each page and signed at the end.
Document or clause
Holograph Will	A handwritten will, a term more common in other jurisdictions.	In England and Wales, handwriting alone does not remove signing formalities.	Advanced	The handwritten codicil still needed proper witnessing.
Gift or property
Donatio Mortis Causa	A deathbed gift made in contemplation of death.	Different from a codicil and often legally difficult to prove.	Advanced	The alleged deathbed gift was not a codicil.
Document or clause
Testamentary Expenses Clause	A clause saying estate costs are paid before gifts.	May affect how much remains for gifts added by codicil.	Intermediate	The codicil did not alter the testamentary expenses clause.
Payment Of Tax Clause	A clause stating which fund or gifts bear inheritance tax.	Important when adding taxable or exempt gifts by codicil.	Advanced	The codicil left the payment of tax clause unchanged.
Probate and administration
Net Estate	Estate value after deducting debts, costs, and liabilities.	Determines what is available for gifts amended by codicil.	Beginner	The net estate was smaller than expected after the codicil.
Gross Estate	Total estate value before deducting debts and costs.	Relevant when assessing whether added gifts are affordable.	Beginner	The gross estate included the house and savings.
Valuation	Estimating the value of assets in the estate.	May affect whether codicil gifts can be paid in full.	Beginner	The valuation showed enough assets for the added legacy.

What Codicil Terms Matter Most In The United Kingdom?

A codicil is a formal document used to change an existing will, so terms about execution, witnesses, revocation, gifts, and executors are especially important. In England and Wales, the core signing rules come from the Wills Act 1837: the testator must sign or acknowledge the signature in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time, and the witnesses must sign or acknowledge their signatures in the testator's presence.

Small changes can have large effects: a new legacy, altered executor appointment, or changed residuary gift can affect the whole distribution of the estate.
Witness choice is critical: a beneficiary or their spouse or civil partner should not witness, because this can make the gift to that person fail while the will or codicil may otherwise remain valid.
A codicil should identify the will clearly: dates, full names, and a confirmation clause help show which will is being changed and which parts remain in force.
Major life or estate changes may need a new will: multiple codicils, marriage, divorce, new property, changed family circumstances, or tax-sensitive gifts can make a fresh will safer than repeated amendments.
Probate terminology matters: executors, personal representatives, grant of probate, assets, liabilities, and residue are the terms most likely to affect how the codicil is used after death.

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FAQs

What is a codicil in UK will writing?

A codicil is a legal document used to make changes to an existing will without replacing the whole will. In the UK, it must be signed and witnessed with the same formalities as a will to be valid.

What does the term codicil mean?

Who is the testator in a codicil?

What is a beneficiary in a codicil?

What does executor mean in a codicil?

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