Kurt, with his favorite granddaughter, Emily

After my wife Karen died, I began to appreciate much more the organizations to which she had been so devoted. Springbrook was always her favorite, and I began to look for ways that my giving could keep her commitment alive.

I decided to make a bequest to Springbrook. Trouble was, I had just re-written my will, and I didn't want to go the time and expense of having a new document drawn just to add a bequest to Springbrook.

My lawyer told me that I could set up the gift through a codicil to my existing will. She told me that a codicil is a simple document that makes specific changes to a will – like adding a charitable bequest – but leaves everything else alone. It's a great solution for making minor adjustments to an estate plan you're otherwise happy with.

She had the codicil ready for me to sign in two days – and now I can rest easy knowing that the organization that meant so much to Karen will be hearing from her once again.