Table of Contents
Codicil Wills Sizes
Codicil wills have only a few size variations since they are legally binding documents, meaning they typically follow standardized sizes. The required paper size for codicils, however, entirely depends on the distinguished format followed by the state being represented.
Download this Codicil Wills Sizes Article in PDF!
File Format:
Codicil Wills Standard Sizes
Letter (8.5 × 11 inches)
The letter size paper is commonly used to produce legally binding documents, especially because it is one of the first paper sizes standardized and recognized around the world. With dimensions of 8.5 inches by 11 inches, the space it provides is sufficient for a document that is short in length in terms of content like an informal case report.
Legal (8.5 × 14 inches)
Legal paper size measures 216 × 356 millimeters, which is longer than the letter size and is perfect for documents with longer forms such as a will and testament. A will written on a legal-sized paper would be able to address provisions in detail like the beneficiary, material legacy, estate plans, or business and land property.
A4 (8.3 × 11.7 inches)
The A4 paper was standardized much later than the previous two but has grown in popularity in terms of utilization for both formal and informal documents since its standardization. With a measurement of 8.3 inches by 11 inches, the A4 paper size is narrower than the aforementioned sizes, but it still serves its purpose of containing important information such as in a codicil.
Codicil Wills Sizes for Print
Although there is no known paper size requirement for executing a codicil, these documents are usually printed in either letter (8.5 × 11 inches), legal (8.5 × 14 inches), or A4 (8.3 × 11.7 inches) size. Nevertheless, the size used for drafting a codicil should be appropriate to the overall size of the document’s content.
Codicil Wills Sizes for Microsoft Word
The conception of word processors affected the execution or production of codicils to a will in a way that made the revision of wills easier without revamping the whole thing. When drafting a codicil in Microsoft Word, it is expected that the paper size will automatically be set to US letter (8.5 × 11 inches) since it is the application’s default paper size.
Codicil Wills Sizes for Apple Pages
Apple Pages is another word processor that is marketed by Apple to compete with Microsoft Word and is best utilized in Apple devices either mobile or laptop. Making a codicil using Pages is more convenient than with a typewriter because you can edit the document in real-time plus change the paper size from letter to A4 (or 21 × 29.7 cms) without throwing a sheet of paper into the bin.
Codicil Wills Sizes for Google Docs
Multiple codicils can be executed to supplement a single will but it should not be contradicting or ambiguous otherwise the documents would be submitted to a court to probate or may lead to litigation. Google Docs, another word processor, is a great alternative that could help avoid these setbacks since you can edit documents online and in real-time plus change from its default paper size, the US letter (816 × 1054 pixels), to any size you prefer.
Codicil Wills Sizes FAQs
What is the size of codicil wills?
The size of codicil wills varies between letter, legal, or A4 depending on the format followed or required by the state you are in.
Does a codicil revoke a will?
Yes, the main function of a codicil is to revoke a small part of a will.
How do you write a codicil?
To write a codicil, you need to handle it in the same manner as a will and state the specific update you want to revoke or revise.
Why not make a codicil to amend your will?
At present, making a codicil to make an amendment to a will is rarely advised since revising a portion of a will is possible using a word processor.
Who can execute a codicil?
A codicil can be executed by the testator himself, the executor, or by the attorney who made the will.
Can a codicil be handwritten?
Yes, a codicil can be handwritten as long as it is constructed using the will-maker’s own handwriting for it to be acceptable or valid.
Why do we need a codicil will?
We need a codicil will to make a few modifications without rewriting the whole will and testament.
How easy is it to add a codicil to a will?
Adding a codicil to a will is relatively easy an ordinary person can do it using a printable and downloadable form available online.
Do I need a solicitor to add a codicil to my will?
It is not within the acknowledged requirements to have a solicitor add a codicil to your will but you can ask for legal advice if you think you need one.
What happens if you lost the codicil wills?
If the codicil to a will got lost, the two witnesses are required to testify the content of the lost codicils or wills.
When does a codicil become a legally binding document?
A codicil to a will becomes a legally binding document when it contains the signatures of the testator and the witnesses.
How can you revoke an old codicil?
You can revoke an old codicil by executing a new one with the intention of revoking the previous codicil.
Is there a limit to the number of codicils supplemented to a single will?
So far, there are no laws stating that there is a limited number of codicils supplemented to a single will however it is not advisable since it may cause risks of disorganization in the future.
Is a codicil an alternative to a will?
A codicil can be an alternative to a will since it is executed in the same manner as a will but it is mostly used to supplement the latter rather than substituting it.
What are commonly included in codicils?
Codicils usually contain statements or addendums that revoke or change some parts of a will, date, and signatures of the testator and their two witnesses.
What is the use of codicils in real estate?
Codicils are supplementary documents to a will that can affect the transfer of a real estate or land property upon the death of the will’s owner.
How can a codicil become invalid?
A codicil can become invalid if it was improperly executed or a decedent was mentally incompetent on the day of the execution of the document.
More in Documents
