If there’s one thing in life that’s guaranteed, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed. Unfortunately, circumstances change all the time, and as a result, you may find that you need to change the terms of your will. In many instances, you’ll wonder whether it’s worth it to change the terms or revoke your will altogether. This blog explores these circumstances further and why contacting PA wills, trust & estates attorneys is in your best interest to make the most informed decision for the future of your estate.
Why might I need to revoke my will?
In general, you may need to revoke the terms of your will because your life circumstances have changed too much to easily amend and update your current document. As such, it can be easier to revoke the current terms and start over.
Common life events that can warrant the revocation of a will include getting married, purchasing or selling real estate, having children, becoming a grandparent, getting divorced, or experiencing significant changes to your finances and assets.
In instances where only one or two things have changed, you can add a codicil, or amendment, to your will. This essentially informs the courts that you have taken the legal steps to change certain terms in your will. You’ll need to add a codicil under the guidance of an attorney to ensure the addition to your will is legally binding.
However, you’ll find that in some circumstances, when multiple areas of your will have changed, having too many codicils can create confusion and subsequent disputes over property upon your passing. As such, it may be in your best interest to revoke your current will and update it to reflect the changes you’ve made and any new provisions you would like to include.
What can I do to cancel out my will?
It’s important to understand that until you have created a new, legally valid will with the assistance of an experienced attorney, you should not revoke your current will. Having a plan in place is better than being left with no will.
If you want to completely revoke the terms and conditions of your will in Pennsylvania, there are multiple methods you can utilize. However, you must cancel the will properly to ensure it will not be considered still valid and binding.
One is to physically destroy the last copy of your will. This includes shredding, burning, obliterating, or otherwise destroying the copy.
You can also revoke a will by creating a new one. In your new will, you can include terms that explicitly state that any other version of your will should not be honored. Often including revocation terms in your new will and physically destroying the old one can help ensure your new will will be honored.
When you need to revoke your will in favor of a new document, working with an experienced attorney is critical. At Friedman Schuman Layser, our team understands the complications that you can face when trying to revoke and create a new will. That’s why our team will do everything possible to assist you in these matters to help ensure your wishes are met. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you achieve peace of mind for the future.
