A will is an important document that aims to address what becomes of your personal belongings after you pass. If you’ve already drafted one, then great! However, it’s important to know that life is always changing, meaning that your will should be updated whenever these changes occur. At Fryer and Hansen, our estate planning lawyers want to provide some information to make this an easy process.
Amending It
One way to revoke your old will is by making changes to it. This amended will, known as a “codicil,” is a new will due to its components being altered. These alterations can include new beneficiaries, new steps to be taken, and even a new executor.
Creating a New One from Scratch
Creating a new will from scratch is perhaps the easiest way to revoke your old one. However, it’s important to ensure that this new will clearly and effectively specifies that your prior will is no longer valid. Be sure to date this new document as well so attorneys can differentiate between the two.
Destroying It
As you can imagine, a common way to revoke a will is to destroy it. This can be done by you or by someone instructed to destroy it at your request. Keep in mind, states can have different laws regarding the destruction of a will and how it pertains to it being revoked. So, do your homework first to find out how to effectively destroy it. Be sure to also let our lawyers know about your intentions before going through with them.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer Today!
Contact us today in McAllen for more information about our services or to schedule an appointment.