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How can I change my will in New York?

On Behalf of | Jun 27, 2024 | Wills |

A will is often a fundamental tool when creating a comprehensive estate plan. This document can effectively relay your wishes to your surviving family members. Still, it is a legally enforceable document with technical requirements. It can lose its validity if it fails to meet certain specifications, which can also happen when you change or update it improperly.

As you experience significant life updates, such as getting married, having children or buying a high-value asset, updating your will may be necessary. This step can be crucial in maintaining the document’s legal soundness if done correctly, such as the following methods:

  • Making a modification using a codicil, which can add or change conditions
  • Drafting a new will reflecting the intended updates

These methods may also have standard specifications to make them valid. Some people may feel compelled to write over their wills, which may put the arrangement at risk. An original will with handwritten edits can often become invalid, so it would not take effect after your death.

Additionally, any revised versions or codicils must follow the same rules for the initial will. Some updates can also be complex depending on how much they impact the will’s content, warranting legal guidance to maintain enforceability.

Getting help to change a will

Consider seeking legal counsel before updating your will or other estate planning setups. Experienced guidance can be valuable in these situations, especially if you have elaborate instructions that require technical and specific terms. Doing so may seem too much, but taking these measures can be essential in keeping your will valid, which can be helpful to your surviving family members after you pass on.