When you write a will, it can feel quite final. Your circumstances can change though, and that’s why it is actually possible to revoke or cancel a will that no longer fits your need. Whatever your motivations may be for revoking a will, we recommend that you talk to a Washtenaw County wills attorney from our firm. We can tell you about how you can limit confusion and ensure that your last wishes are heard loud and clear.
Do I Have to Revoke or Cancel a Will to Make Changes?
You don’t actually have to jump right to destroying your will. If you have a small edit or change to make, you don’t have to revoke or cancel the document. Instead, you can add a codicil. This would allow you to make a minor change without throwing out the entire document.
If you find yourself adding a number of codicils to your will, it might eventually be time to revoke or cancel it. You want your will to be clear and concise. A complicated document with all sorts of edits could just end up causing issues.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Revoke or Cancel My Will?
You do not need to go to a lawyer to revoke or cancel your will actually. In many cases, this process is as simple as just destroying the current document. However, we do not recommend that you stop here.
After revoking a will, you should also take steps to write a new one. A new legally binding and dated document can make your last wishes clear. You don’t want to revoke a will and then pass away, leaving the state probate court to decide what happens to your assets. You also don’t want to be in a situation where someone was cut out of your will comes up with a copy of an old document and tries to use it in estate litigation.
If you want to get rid of your current will, do so. But then meet with a lawyer and take the time to write up a new one as soon as possible.
When Is It Wise to Change a Will?
There are many times when it may make sense to edit, revoke, or cancel an existing will. We recommend editing yours from time to time, especially after life events like:
- A divorce
- A death in the family
- The birth of a new child
- When you have a falling out with a family member
- Any major change to your economic situation
Talk to an Estate Planning Attorney
If you do want to write a will or make an estate plan, don’t do it on your own. Contact Collis, Griffor & Hendra to schedule a consultation. We are ready to help you make a comprehensive plan with binding legal documents that will give you and your family peace of mind.
