[WSBAPT] Amending a Will

[Sarah McCarthy]

Another consideration is whether or not any beneficiary's share of the
estate is getting larger or smaller, and if so, do we want to avoid
creating feelings of upset or resentment.  A codicil keeps that prior
history in place, as the codicil will need to be read alongside the will.
A new will wipes the slate clean in most cases, if the beneficiaries had
not already been provided a copy of the prior will.

Sarah

*Sarah O’Farrell McCarthy*


*(Pronouns: she / her)*Attorney*, Partner | Kelly, Arndt & Walker, Attorneys
at Law, PLLP
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On Tue, Sep 29, 2026 at 10:16 AM Sara Longley <sara.longley at ivylawpllc.com>
wrote:

> It really depends.  If the existing will needs only a minor change such as
> replacing a PR or beneficiary, a codicil is fine.  I have done many
> codicils.  But more substantial changes (e.g. to include a tax shelter
> trust, or if the testator has married or divorced or if their spouse has
> passed away) usually indicate a new will is more appropriate.
>
>
>
> Another way to analyze it is whether it will take more time to draft the
> revisions for a codicil that it would to simply make a new will including
> the new provisions.
>
>
>
> Sara
>
>
>
> Sara D. Longley, Attorney
>
> Ivy Law PLLC
>
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> St., Ste. 313
>
> Seattle, WA 98107
>
> (206) 925-2727
>
> Sara.Longley at IvyLawPLLC.com
>
>
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>
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>
> *From:* wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <
> wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> *On Behalf Of *Jordan Kostelyk
> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 29, 2026 10:00 AM
> *To:* WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com
> *Subject:* [WSBAPT] Amending a Will
>
>
>
> Hello all,
>
>
>
> Which do you prefer to execute a new will with the amendments or execute a
> codicil? What are your reasons?
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
> Jordan
>
>
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