What If I Change My Mind About The Contents of My Will?

If you change your mind about the contents of your will, you can update or change them any time you wish. Under Pennsylvania law, however, you must follow specific requirements and be mentally fit. Generally, you have two options for changing the contents of your will. One is by creating a codicil that will amend your existing will instead of replacing it. The second option is to revoke your existing will and create a new one.

Alternatively, if you have a trust, you can opt to modify the trust instead of your will. This option is typically used for changing trustees, beneficiaries, or other trust provisions.

Consulting a Harrisburg, PA, estate planning lawyer is advised if you don’t know how to change your will or if you have a complex estate and wish to modify your will. Likewise, updating your will regularly will ensure that your estate plan is in accordance with your current requirements and that your family is protected from disputes when you die.

What is a Codicil and How Can I Use It to Change The Contents of My Will in Pennsylvania?

A codicil is a document that lets you modify the contents of your existing will instead of revoking it entirely and making a new one. It is normally used for making minor changes to a will, including changing the amount of bequests, removing or adding beneficiaries, or appointing a new executor. The same legal requirements for creating a will also apply to codicils. Additionally, you must sign your codicil in front of at least two witnesses. Beneficiaries of your codicil or will cannot be witnesses.

If you are looking to make significant changes to your will, such as changing how substantial or complex assets are distributed, you may have to create a new will. To determine the most appropriate course of action, talk to an estate planning attorney in Harrisburg, PA.

How Do I Revoke My Will in Pennsylvania?

If you need to make more extensive changes, you can revoke your will and make a new one with guidance from your Harrisburg, PA, estate planning lawyer. They can make certain that the modifications are legally valid, guide you throughout the process of rewriting your will in accordance with the law, and help you avoid common mistakes when making a new will.

To revoke your will, you can destroy it physically by shredding, burning, or tearing it with the intention of revoking it. You can also make a new one that must clearly revoke all previous versions of your will.

Let Our Harrisburg, PA, Estate Planning Lawyer Guide You

Whether you are creating a completely new will or considering a codicil to make minor tweaks to your will, you must follow all the requirements to ensure its validity. At Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, P.C., our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning attorney can thoroughly review your estate plan to make sure your will reflects your wishes and needs. Reach out to our Harrisburg, PA, estate planning lawyer and arrange your complimentary case review by calling 717-260-3527 or contacting us online.