Clear, Practical Examples of Codicil for Changing Executor

Straightforward examples of codicil for changing executor

Let’s start where most people want to start: actual wording. Below are several examples of codicil for changing executor written in a style that U.S. probate courts typically recognize. These are illustrative only—you still need to adapt them to your own state law and get proper witnessing.

Simple example of codicil for changing executor (single replacement)

This is the most common scenario: you want to remove one executor and appoint another, with no other changes to your will.

First Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Jordan Lee
I, Jordan Lee, of Austin, Texas, declare this to be my First Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated March 10, 2018 (the “Will").

1. Change of Executor. I revoke Article IV of my Will that appoints my brother, Michael Lee, as Executor. I appoint my friend, Dana Rivera, currently residing in Austin, Texas, as Executor of my Will, to serve without bond.

2. Ratification. Except as expressly modified by this Codicil, I confirm and republish my Will in all other respects.

Signed this 5th day of June, 2025.

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Jordan Lee

Signed by the above‑named Testator and declared by the Testator to be a Codicil to the Testator’s Last Will and Testament, in our presence, and we, at the Testator’s request and in the Testator’s presence and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

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Witness #1

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Witness #2

This is one of the best examples of a clean, targeted change: it states what section is revoked, who is removed, and who is appointed.

More detailed examples of codicil for changing executor in real‑world situations

Estate plans rarely stay static. People move, relationships change, and health issues pop up. Here are several real‑world style examples of codicil for changing executor, each tailored to a different situation.

Example of codicil for changing executor after divorce

Many people still have an ex‑spouse named as executor years after a divorce. In some states, divorce automatically revokes that appointment; in others, it doesn’t, or it creates legal gray areas. A codicil cleans this up.

Second Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Alicia Morgan
I, Alicia Morgan, of Denver, Colorado, declare this to be my Second Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated September 2, 2016 (the “Will").

1. Removal of Former Spouse as Personal Representative. I revoke all provisions in my Will that appoint my former spouse, Daniel Morgan, as Executor/Personal Representative or successor Executor/Personal Representative of my estate.

2. Appointment of New Executor and Successor Executor. I appoint my sister, Rachel Carter, of Boulder, Colorado, as Executor/Personal Representative of my estate. If Rachel Carter is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my friend, Thomas Nguyen, of Denver, Colorado, as successor Executor/Personal Representative.

3. Ratification. In all other respects, I confirm and republish my Will.

Signed this 12th day of March, 2025.

[Signature and witness blocks]

This is one of the best examples of codicil for changing executor when life events (like divorce) make your original choice awkward or risky.

Example of codicil for changing executor to a professional fiduciary

As estates get more complex—crypto, business interests, multi‑state real estate—more people in 2024–2025 are appointing professional executors (attorneys, trust companies, or professional fiduciaries).

Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Ortiz
I, Samuel Ortiz, of San Diego, California, declare this to be a Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated January 15, 2020 (the “Will").

1. Appointment of Professional Executor. I revoke the appointment of my cousin, Laura Martinez, as Executor in Article III of my Will. In her place, I appoint Pacific Trust & Fiduciary Services, Inc., or its successor, as Executor of my estate. If Pacific Trust & Fiduciary Services, Inc. is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my friend, James Patel, of San Diego, California, as successor Executor.

2. Compensation. My Executor shall be entitled to reasonable compensation in accordance with California law.

3. Ratification. Except as expressly modified by this Codicil, I confirm and republish my Will.

Signed this 20th day of September, 2024.

[Signature and witness blocks]

This illustrates how a codicil can move responsibility from a relative who feels overwhelmed to a professional who handles probate full‑time.

Example of codicil for changing executor due to relocation

In many U.S. states, appointing an out‑of‑state executor can trigger extra paperwork, bonds, or court oversight. As people relocate more often, this has become a frequent reason to update an executor.

First Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Priya Desai
I, Priya Desai, now residing in Seattle, Washington, declare this to be my First Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated April 8, 2019 (the “Will").

1. Change of Executor Due to Change of Residence. Since the execution of my Will, I have moved from New Jersey to Washington State. I revoke the appointment of my friend, Emily Rogers of Newark, New Jersey, as Executor, and instead appoint my brother, Arjun Desai, of Seattle, Washington, as Executor of my estate.

2. Successor Executor. If Arjun Desai is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my cousin, Neha Shah, of Bellevue, Washington, as successor Executor.

3. Ratification. In all other respects, I confirm and republish my Will.

Signed this 7th day of February, 2025.

[Signature and witness blocks]

This is one of the best examples of codicil for changing executor when your move across state lines makes your original executor choice less practical.

Example of codicil for changing co‑executors to a single executor

Co‑executors sound fair in theory, but in real life they can fight, drag their feet, or simply live too far apart. Many lawyers are seeing more codicils in 2024 removing co‑executors in favor of one clear decision‑maker.

Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Marcus Brown
I, Marcus Brown, of Chicago, Illinois, declare this to be a Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated May 30, 2017 (the “Will").

1. Change from Co‑Executors to Single Executor. I revoke the appointment of my children, Lisa Brown and David Brown, as Co‑Executors in Article II of my Will. Instead, I appoint my daughter, Lisa Brown, of Chicago, Illinois, as sole Executor of my estate.

2. Successor Executor. If Lisa Brown is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my son, David Brown, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as successor Executor.

3. Ratification. In all other respects, I confirm and republish my Will.

Signed this 1st day of November, 2024.

[Signature and witness blocks]

This is a clear example of codicil for changing executor structure to reduce conflict and delay.

Example of codicil for changing executor for health or age reasons

Sometimes your original executor is simply aging faster than your estate plan. They may be honored but realistically unable to manage a multi‑year probate.

Second Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Ellen Foster
I, Ellen Foster, of Tampa, Florida, declare this to be my Second Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated August 4, 2015 (the “Will").

1. Resignation and Replacement of Executor. My sister, Margaret Hill, has informed me that due to health and age, she does not wish to serve as Executor of my estate. I revoke her appointment as Executor under Article III of my Will. I appoint my niece, Karen Hill, of Tampa, Florida, as Executor.

2. Successor Executor. If Karen Hill is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my friend, Robert Lewis, of Tampa, Florida, as successor Executor.

3. Ratification. In all other respects, I confirm and republish my Will.

Signed this 14th day of January, 2025.

[Signature and witness blocks]

This is one of the more thoughtful examples of codicil for changing executor when an older relative politely asks to step aside.

Example of codicil for changing executor and adding specific powers

Modern estates often include digital assets, small businesses, or complex investments. In those cases, you might not just change the executor—you might also want to reinforce their authority.

Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Daniel Kim
I, Daniel Kim, of Portland, Oregon, declare this to be a Codicil to my Last Will and Testament dated February 22, 2021 (the “Will").

1. Change of Executor. I revoke the appointment of my friend, Michael Park, as Executor of my estate. I appoint my sister, Angela Kim, of Portland, Oregon, as Executor.

2. Additional Powers of Executor. In addition to any powers granted in my Will, my Executor shall have the power to manage, sell, or otherwise dispose of my interest in Kim Design LLC, and to access, manage, and close my digital accounts and cryptocurrency holdings, all in accordance with applicable law.

3. Ratification. Except as modified by this Codicil, I confirm and republish my Will.

Signed this 30th day of April, 2025.

[Signature and witness blocks]

This is a good example of codicil for changing executor while acknowledging 2024–2025 realities like digital assets and small business interests.

How to structure your own codicil for changing executor

After reading these examples of codicil for changing executor, certain patterns should jump out:

• You clearly identify your original will (date and sometimes location).
• You specify exactly what you’re changing (the executor clause) and who is being removed.
• You name the new executor and usually a backup (successor) executor.
• You confirm that everything else in your will stays the same.
• You sign and have proper witnesses, following your state’s formalities.

The language doesn’t need to be fancy. Courts care far more about clarity and proper execution than poetic wording. The best examples you’ve seen above are short, direct, and hard to misinterpret.

If you want to verify your state’s rules on wills and codicils, check your state court or bar association website. For general estate‑planning basics, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a helpful overview of planning for incapacity and death here: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/managing-someone-elses-money/. The American Bar Association also offers public resources on estate planning: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate_planning/.

2024–2025 trends affecting codicils and executor choices

Law itself doesn’t move fast, but people’s lives do. A few trends are driving more codicils in recent years:

• Higher mobility. More people work remotely and move states, which affects who is a practical executor.
• Blended families. Second marriages and step‑families create tension if an old executor choice favors one side of the family.
• Digital assets. Cryptocurrency, online businesses, and monetized social media accounts make executor choice more technical.
• Aging population. As the U.S. population ages, older executors often ask to be replaced by younger relatives.

These realities are exactly why real examples of codicil for changing executor, like the ones above, matter. They show how to adapt your estate plan to changing circumstances without starting from scratch.

For broader context on aging and decision‑making, the National Institute on Aging (part of NIH) has accessible guides on legal and financial planning for older adults: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-financial-planning-people-alzheimers-disease.

FAQs about codicils and executor changes

Can I write my own codicil for changing executor using these examples?

You can write your own codicil, and many people do. The examples of codicil for changing executor above give you a realistic starting point. But you must:

• Follow your state’s signing and witnessing rules.
• Make sure your codicil doesn’t conflict with other parts of your will.
• Store the codicil with your original will so they’re found together.

When in doubt, a short consultation with an estate‑planning attorney can save your heirs a lot of grief later.

Do I need a lawyer just to change my executor?

Not always, but it’s often smart. Changing only the executor is one of the simpler updates, and many people use a short codicil based on examples like the ones in this article. However, if your estate is large, involves multiple states, or includes a business or special‑needs planning, getting legal advice is well worth it.

Is a codicil better than rewriting the entire will?

If you’re only changing the executor and everything else still reflects your wishes, a codicil is usually faster and cheaper. That’s why so many real examples of codicil for changing executor look very short and focused. If you’re changing beneficiaries, adding trusts, or rethinking major gifts, lawyers often recommend drafting a new will instead of stacking multiple codicils.

What happens if I don’t update my executor?

If your named executor has died, moved, or is no longer a good fit, the court may have to appoint someone else. That can delay probate and fuel family disputes. Updating your will with a clear codicil for changing executor—using any of the best examples above as a model—reduces that uncertainty.

Is an email or handwritten note enough to change my executor?

In most U.S. states, no. A quick email saying “I want my daughter to be executor now” will not override a properly signed will. Some states allow handwritten (holographic) wills or codicils, but the rules are technical and vary widely. If you want your change to stick, use a properly drafted codicil, signed and witnessed according to your local law.

Bottom line: use these examples of codicil for changing executor as templates to think through your own situation, but don’t treat them as one‑size‑fits‑all legal advice. The goal is simple: make sure the person in charge of your estate is actually the person you trust today, not the person you trusted ten years and three life changes ago.