What is the term for a supplement to the body of a will, representing a later addition?

The term for a supplement to the body of a will, representing a later addition, is a codicil. A codicil is a legal document that alters, adds to, or revokes provisions in an existing will without the need to create an entirely new will. This allows the testator to make changes easily while maintaining the original will’s validity.

For example, if a person wishes to change a beneficiary or update some other detail after the original will has been executed, they can do so by drafting a codicil. It must typically be executed with the same formalities as a will, ensuring it is valid and enforceable.

While the terms amendment, modification, and addendum may seem similar, they do not specifically refer to the process defined within the context of wills. An amendment generally indicates an alteration that might apply to documents in various contexts but does not specifically signify the legal term used in estate planning. Modification and addendum are also broader terms that do not refer specifically to the legal instrument that adjusts a will, making codicil the most accurate term to identify a supplement to a will.