Elder Law Attorneys Helping You Plan For The Future

How can I revoke my will or update my current will?

On Behalf of | Jun 25, 2015 | Uncategorized

When you make a will, you are planning for the future. In some cases, those plans will have to change. We have often discussed some of the life changes that require you to take a look at your will to determine if it needs to be changed. That might have some people wondering how they can revoke the will that is outdated.

Should I write a new will?

If you are changing the terms of your will, you need to write a new will. This ensures that the will is set up exactly how you want it to be set up. It is possible to add a codicil to the will, which is an amendment. If you opt to add a codicil, make sure that it meets the current legal standards for Texas so that it will be binding when you pass away.

What should I do with my old will?

If you have written a new will, you can destroy the old will. It is vital that you make an effort to actually destroy the will. You can’t simply mark through the portions of the will you don’t like. Instead, you should burn it, tear it or rip it to pieces. You can even put it through a paper shredder. Just make sure you destroy it.

A good rule of thumb is that you should review your will when you have major changes in your life. If you get married, divorced, have a child or acquire new property, check your will. If your children become adults or if they have children, check your will. If changes need to be made, make sure you understand the legal ways for making those changes.

Source: FindLaw, “How to Revoke a Will,” accessed June 25, 2015