IrelandWhat is a codicil and when should I use one?
A codicil is a legal document that amends an existing will without replacing it, and it must meet the same formal requirements as a will under Irish law.
What the Law Says
Under Irish law, a codicil is treated as part of the will it amends — not a standalone document — and must comply with strict formal requirements to be valid.
A codicil is a supplementary document used to make minor changes to an existing will — for example, updating a beneficiary, changing an executor, or adding a small gift. It does not revoke the entire will, but only modifies specific parts.
To be legally valid in Ireland, a codicil must satisfy the same formalities as a will itself. That means it must be in writing, signed by the testator (or by someone else in their presence and by their direction), and witnessed by two independent people who are present at the same time.
Importantly, a codicil has no special status: it is legally considered part of the will it refers to. If the original will is invalid or revoked, the codicil fails too.
Statutory TextA codicil shall, for all purposes, be deemed to form part of the will to which it relates.
— Succession Act 1965, s. 78 — Codicils
What to Do
Ensure your codicil is in writing and clearly references the original will.
Sign it in the presence of two witnesses who also sign in your presence.
Store it securely with your original will — not separately — to avoid confusion later.
Consider making a new will instead if changes are major (e.g., removing a main beneficiary or changing executors entirely).
Consult a solicitor to confirm validity and avoid unintended consequences.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.