Having a Will is a final statement of how you want your assets to be managed after your death. However, sometimes you may want to change your Will and how your estate will be administered after your death. You may have had a child following the drafting of your Will, for example, and wish to include him/her in your Will. You may have also acquired more assets and would like to reconsider how these are divided between your possible heirs/heiresses.
What is a Codicil?
When you decide to make an addition to your Will, or a minor alteration thereto, you may make use of a Codicil. A Codicil is a schedule or annexure to an existing Will, which is made to supplement or to amend an existing Will. A Codicil must comply with the same requirements for a valid Will. A Codicil need not be signed by the same witnesses who signed the original Will.
What if I want to amend my Will?
Must I amend my Will after divorce?
A bequest to your divorced spouse in your Will, which was made prior to your divorce, Will not necessarily fall away after divorce.
References:
http://www.justice.gov.za/master/m_deseased/deceased_wills.html
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)