What is required to amend a will in Florida?

To amend a will in Florida, a codicil is required. A codicil is a legal document that modifies, adds to, or revokes provisions of an existing will. It allows the testator (the person who made the will) to make changes without creating an entirely new will, provided that the codicil is executed with the same formalities as a will — meaning it must be signed by the testator and witnessed by at least two individuals who are not beneficiaries.

Utilizing a codicil is particularly beneficial when minor changes are needed, such as altering the distribution of assets or changing the executor of the estate. It's a streamlined process that maintains the validity of the original document while addressing any necessary updates.

The other choices do not serve the purpose of amending a will in the same effective manner. A verbal agreement lacks the legal enforceability that written documentation provides. Although a new will could potentially replace an existing will, it is often more cumbersome than necessary for minor adjustments. Finally, a court order is not required simply to amend a will; such actions are handled privately between the testator and their witnesses. Thus, a codicil is the correct and most efficient method for amending a will in Florida.