A codicil is an amendment to an existing will. It’s a way of adding a charity (or making another change) to your will without having to go through your lawyer to create a new will. See the example below. 

Example of a codicil

I, John Doe, of 46 Mulberry Lane, Wisconsin 29372, declare that this will be the first codicil to my will, dated January first two thousand and twenty. (Spell the date out in words.) 

1. I leave the sum of $10,000 ten thousand dollars to Operation Eyesight Canada (Use figures and words. It could also be a percentage share of the residue of the estate.) 

2. Codicil 2 (if there is one)

3. Codicil 3 (for a third change)

4. I confirm that the other aspects covered in my will and any other codicils are correct. 

Signature: _______________________________________ 

Date: ___________________________________________ 

This should be signed in front of two witnesses, who should also be listed on the codicil. The codicil will amend the will, and it should be kept with the will.

In making changes to your will, we always recommend talking with your family, financial advisor and legal advisor. It is the lawyer’s/notary’s responsibility (according to your province of residence) to write the actual words.