What is necessary for a codicil to be valid?

A codicil is a legal document that modifies, adds to, or revokes provisions of an existing will. For a codicil to be valid, it must adhere to the same formalities required for the creation of a will. This generally includes being in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the will), and, in most jurisdictions, witnessed by at least two witnesses.

The necessity for a codicil to follow the same formalities as a will ensures that the intentions of the testator are clear and legally binding. This legal rigor helps prevent disputes regarding the validity of the modifications made by the codicil.

In contrast, oral agreements, while they may have some value in informal contexts, are not sufficient for a codicil as they lack the formal documentation required by law. Witness signatures are important but alone do not encompass all the requirements. Notarization may enhance the validity of a document but is not universally necessary for a codicil to be valid, as the primary requirement is to follow the same formalities as a will.