How To Update Your Will

You can update your will by making an official alteration to the existing will, known as a codicil, which must be signed and witnessed similarly to a will or by revoking the previous will and writing a new will. A codicil is a legal document that is an addendum to a will that either supplements or modifies a will either in whole or in part.

How do you update your will without a lawyer?

You can update your will without a lawyer by following the process of making a will, which is similar to preparing a codicil or a new one.

The Codicil will state the alterations to be made in the existing will. Witnesses will be required to witness the document.

Making a new will requires following the same narrations as the previous will and having the new will witnessed.

Who can change a will?

Only the Testator, the person who has made a will, can change it. This is because the Estate belongs to the Testator, and their wishes are expressed in the will; hence, they are the only ones who can change a will.

How much does it cost to change your will?

Changing a will can cost from $50 to $500, depending on the simplicity or complexity of the amendments. 

Can I make handwritten changes to a will?

Yes, you can make handwritten changes to a will. For the changes to be valid, they have to be handwritten by the person making the will in their own handwriting, dated by the person, and signed by the person.

Are handwritten changes to a will legal?

Yes.  Handwritten changes to a will are legal. However, not all handwritten changes are valid. For them to be valid, the handwritten amendments must be signed by the Will-maker and the two witnesses in the same manner as the actual will.

How to change the Executor of a Will?

You can change the Executor of the will through a codicil duly signed by the testator and signed by the witnesses.

Does a new will override an old will?

A new will automatically overrides an old will. However, to enforce the new will, you should include a clause clearly stating that it revoked any earlier wills or codicil to a will.

Can I change my will without an Estate Planning Attorney?

Yes. You can change your will without an Estate Planning Attorney. However, an Estate Planning Attorney can be essential in ensuring that all legal requirements are adhered to. The legal requirements are that; –

1. The testator who is person making the codicil or will must be 18 years old and of sound mind.
2. The Codicil or will must be signed and dated in the presence of two witnesses.
3. The witnesses must not be beneficiaries in the will or receive anything from the testator.

How often should you update your will?

You should update your will anytime you feel it is necessary or after any major life event.

Major life events may include a change in marital status, before a trip, the birth of a new family member, or the death of a family member.

How to change the address on a will.

An address on a will can be changed through a codicil. However, this is not a necessity, as the purpose of the address in a will is to assist in identifying a person.

How to make a will null and void?

You can make a will null and void by either writing a new will, which is automatically null and void, destroying all the original copies of the original will, or disposing of the assets listed in the will.