Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What does a codicil represent in legal documents?

1. A complete rewrite of a will

2. A verbal agreement to amend a will

3. An amendment to an existing will

4. A type of trust document

The correct answer is: An amendment to an existing will

A codicil is specifically defined as an amendment to an existing will. It allows the testator to modify certain provisions of their will without needing to rewrite the entire document. This is particularly beneficial when only minor changes are needed, such as altering a beneficiary, updating executor information, or changing specific bequests. The codicil must adhere to the same legal standards required for the creation of a will, including proper execution and witnessing, ensuring that the intentions of the testator are clearly documented and legally binding. In this context, a complete rewrite of a will would render the need for a codicil unnecessary, while a verbal agreement to amend a will lacks the formal requirements that codicils must meet. Additionally, a type of trust document refers to an entirely different legal instrument, unrelated to the concept of codicils. Therefore, understanding that a codicil serves the specific purpose of amending an existing will underscores its significance in estate planning and the expression of a testator's wishes.