The Codicils and Trust Amendments folder contains templates used to modify existing estate planning documents rather than create new plans from scratch.
These templates are intended for situations where a client already has a will or trust in place and needs targeted updates without a full restatement or replacement of the original document.
Purpose of Codicils and Amendments
Codicils and trust amendments are used when changes are limited in scope and do not require a comprehensive rewrite of the estate plan.
Common use cases include:
Updating beneficiaries
Changing fiduciaries
Modifying administrative provisions
Making discrete revisions while preserving the original structure of the document
These templates allow practitioners to address specific changes efficiently while maintaining continuity with the existing plan.
How these templates are used
Codicil and amendment templates are drafting templates and follow the same workflow as other estate planning documents.
Drafting begins by selecting the appropriate codicil or amendment template. Client data, if available, may be loaded into the template during or after drafting, but is not required to begin.
These templates assume the existence of a valid Oregon will or trust and are designed to integrate cleanly with that existing document.
Icons and template outputs
Each codicil and trust amendment template includes reference icons to assist with selection and review:
A description icon, which explains the purpose of the template and the type of update it is designed to address.
A PDF example icon, which opens a sample version of the assembled document, showing how the amendment or codicil will appear once drafted.
These icons allow you to quickly confirm that the selected template is appropriate for the intended update before beginning drafting.
Relationship to full document packages
Codicils and trust amendments are distinct from estate planning document packages.
They are typically used when:
A full restatement is unnecessary
Only limited provisions need to be changed
The underlying estate plan remains largely intact
For more extensive changes or comprehensive updates, a full estate planning document package may be more appropriate.
Key characteristics
Used to modify existing estate planning documents
Intended for targeted, limited-scope changes
Drafting begins with template selection
Client data may be loaded but is not required
Designed for use under Oregon law