Codicil Examples for Adding a Beneficiary

Explore practical examples of codicils for adding beneficiaries to your will and ensure your wishes are fulfilled.
By Taylor

Understanding Codicils for Adding a Beneficiary

A codicil is a legal document that allows you to make changes to your existing will without rewriting the entire document. This can be particularly useful when you want to add a beneficiary or modify bequests. Below are three diverse examples of codicils specifically for adding a beneficiary, providing context and practical applications to help you understand how to effectively use this tool.

Example 1: Adding a Grandchild as a Beneficiary

Context

As a grandparent, you may want to ensure that your grandchildren are included in your estate planning. A codicil can help you add a grandchild as a beneficiary without changing your entire will.

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], being of sound mind, do hereby declare this codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated [Original Will Date].

I hereby add my grandchild, [Grandchild’s Name], born on [Grandchild’s Birth Date], as a beneficiary to my estate. I direct that [specific amount or percentage] of my estate shall be distributed to [Grandchild’s Name] upon my death, in addition to any other bequests made in my original will.

This codicil is executed on this [Date] and shall be attached to my original will.

Notes

  • Make sure to clearly identify the grandchild by full name and birthdate to avoid any confusion.
  • Consider specifying how the funds will be handled if the grandchild is a minor.

Example 2: Adding a Charity as a Beneficiary

Context

If you wish to support a charitable organization after your passing, you can easily add this to your will through a codicil. This example illustrates how to include a charity as a beneficiary.

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], being of sound mind, do hereby declare this codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated [Original Will Date].

I hereby add [Charity Name], a nonprofit organization located at [Charity Address], as a beneficiary of my estate. I direct that [specific amount or percentage] of my estate shall be distributed to [Charity Name] upon my death, in honor of my commitment to [the cause or mission of the charity].

This codicil is executed on this [Date] and shall be attached to my original will.

Notes

  • Include the charity’s full name and address to ensure the correct organization receives the funds.
  • Be clear about the purpose of the donation if you have specific intentions.

Example 3: Adding a New Partner as a Beneficiary

Context

If you’ve recently entered into a new relationship and want to include your partner in your estate planning, a codicil is a simple way to update your will. This example shows how to add a new partner as a beneficiary.

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], being of sound mind, do hereby declare this codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated [Original Will Date].

I hereby add my partner, [Partner’s Name], residing at [Partner’s Address], as a beneficiary of my estate. I direct that [specific amount or percentage] of my estate shall be distributed to [Partner’s Name] upon my death, in recognition of our relationship and shared life together.

This codicil is executed on this [Date] and shall be attached to my original will.

Notes

  • It’s important to clearly identify your partner and may also be prudent to discuss these changes openly with them.
  • You might consider how this addition affects other beneficiaries and your overall estate plan.