Do you have a will?
Having a will serves as one of the surest ways to make sure your loved ones are taken care of after your death. While many people start considering wills as they approach death, it makes sense to make wills at other times in your life, too, just in case the unexpected happens.
Still, you sometimes change your mind about how your assets should be handled. In these cases, you need to make changes to your will. But you might be wondering how to change a will in a way that’s effective.
Below, we have compiled a family lawyer’s guide to changing a will. Keep reading below for more information!
How to Change a Will
When you know how to change a will, you have the ability to dictate how your estate is divided among your family members and loved ones after your death.
But if you’ve already made a will, you need to go through the proper process to change it in order for your wishes to be legally respected. Since a will is a legal document, you need to go through legal procedures to change it.
We’ll go into the details in the sections below!
Consider Whether or Not You Want an Attorney
When making changes to their wills, some people wonder if they should hire family law attorneys.
While many people hire lawyers when they create wills, they often hire a lawyer to provide advice. When you change a will, though, you don’t legally need a lawyer. Attorneys sometimes cost money people fear they can’t afford to spend.
Of course, if you have a legal question regarding a will, though, consult an attorney.
Writing a Codicil
One of the best ways to amend your will is to write a codicil.
What is a codicil? Think of it as a postscript that goes at the end of your will. You must be of clear mental understanding to make a codicil. This ensures that you are making your adjustment to the will of your own accord and are cognizant of your changes.
When you write a codicil, you should use the same legal language used in your will. For instance, begin your will by saying, “I, *insert name here*, hereby make the following changes to my will,” and then list your changes below.
Signing the Codicil
When you created your will, you had to sign it yourself and procure the additional signatures of two other witnesses. The same is true of a codicil.
While it seems inconvenient to have to get two additional signatures, it certifies that your will was made voluntarily and is thereby legitimate.
Once the codicil is signed, it is considered an amendment to your will, and the information contained in it will override any details in the original will.
Ready to Change Your Will?
Are you wondering how to change a will because you want to alter yours?
If you’ve been asking, “Can a will be changed?” the answer is yes! By writing a codicil and getting two witnesses to sign it, you can make legally-binding changes to your will.
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