Codicil to a Will Format & Template
Wills & Succession · ₹50 · ~8 min · Sign in free, fill the guided form with a live preview, pay to download.
What is a Codicil to a Will?
A codicil is a short document that changes, adds to or explains part of an existing will without rewriting the whole of it — for example to add a beneficiary, change an executor, or deal with a newly acquired asset.
Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, a codicil must be executed with the same formalities as a will: signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses. It is read together with the will, so it should identify the will it amends by its date.
When to use it
- You want to add or remove a beneficiary without redrafting your whole will.
- Your executor can no longer act and you need to appoint a new one.
- You have bought or sold an asset mentioned in the will.
What you'll need
Keep these details ready — the form asks for them in this order.
Testator
Your full name · Your address
Original Will
Date of the original Will
Amendment
Description of the amendment
Execution
City · State · Execution date
How it works
Identify your will
Your details and the date of the will being amended.
Describe the changes
Exactly which clause or gift changes, and how.
Preview, pay and download
Pay ₹50 and download the codicil.
Sign before two witnesses
Execute it the same way as a will.
How to make it legally valid
- Signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses who see the testator sign.
- Clearly refers to the will it amends, by date.
- Witnesses should not be beneficiaries under the will or the codicil.
- No stamp duty; registration is optional, and advisable if the original will was registered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Making so many changes by codicil that the will becomes confusing — write a fresh will instead.
- Not identifying which will is being amended.
- Handwritten changes on the will itself instead of a properly executed codicil.
Ready to prepare your Codicil to a Will?
₹50 · live preview before you pay
This is a self-help template for common situations — it is not legal advice and LawMitran is not a law firm. Need help with your codicil to a will? Find a property law lawyer · Legal documents FAQs.