Arizona Codicil to Will

Two. An Arizona will must be signed by the testator and at least two witnesses, can be made self-proved before a notary, and a holographic will is valid if the signature and material provisions are in the testator's handwriting.

Yes. Arizona allows a self-proving affidavit, which lets a court accept the will without calling the witnesses to testify.

Yes. Arizona recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills that meet its requirements.

They come from A.R.S. 14-2502, A.R.S. 14-2503 and A.R.S. 14-2504. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

A codicil changes only the parts of your will you specify and leaves the rest in place, while a new will replaces the old one entirely. A codicil is convenient for one or two small updates. If you are making many changes, or major ones like changing who inherits most of your estate, a new will is usually clearer and easier for your family and the court to follow.

In nearly every state, yes. A codicil must be signed with the same formalities as a will, which typically means two adult witnesses who see you sign. Choosing witnesses who do not inherit anything under your will or codicil helps avoid problems later.

It is best not to. Handwritten notes, cross-outs or initials on a signed will can be ignored, can invalidate part of the will, or can create disputes about what you intended. A properly signed codicil or a new will is the reliable way to make changes.

Notarization is not usually what makes a codicil valid; the witnesses are. However, many states let you add a self-proving affidavit signed by you and your witnesses before a notary, which can make it easier to admit the will and codicil to probate later without tracking down the witnesses.

There is no general legal limit, but every codicil adds another document that must be found, read together with the will and proven in probate. Many people sign a new will once they have more than one or two codicils so that their wishes are in a single document.

Keep the signed original codicil with your original will, ideally attached or stored in the same envelope or safe. Let your executor know where both documents are. A codicil that cannot be found after your death may not be given effect.

Legally, a codicil can change any provision, including the residuary clause. Because the residuary clause usually covers most of an estate, though, many people find a new will clearer for that kind of change. If you expect anyone to object, consider speaking with an estate planning attorney.

A codicil generally republishes the will as of the date the codicil is signed, which means the will and codicil are treated as speaking from that later date. This can matter for things like references to people or property, so describe changes clearly and completely.