From getting married and having children to going through a divorce, a lot may have happened since you drafted a will. To reflect life changes, you might want to add or take people off the list of those who will inherit your assets. As the document is legally binding, it’s important to reach out to a will attorney for help. Knowing more about how to make revisions will ensure nothing is overlooked, and your wishes are met.

How You Can Adjust Your Will

Annul the Current Will

Canceling out the old will and drafting a new agreement is one way to update the document. States have different guidelines in place regarding how to revoke a last will and testament. Physically destroying the document, as in shredding or burning the pages in front of witnesses, will suffice in some areas. You could also add a statement in the new will that all other prior agreements are revoked. A will attorney will let you know how to handle the situation where you live.

Replace the Personal Property Memorandum

If there is a personal property memorandum in the current will, you could replace it to reflect the changes you desire. Attached to the will, it outlines how you want personal belongings distributed. The information is often included when assets are not to be divided evenly among beneficiaries. Consider updating the memorandum if you want to change who will receive certain items. A mention of the memorandum must be included in the will to secure its validity.

Establish a Will Codicil

If a beneficiary’s name has changed, you want to update the executor, or make any other minor adjustments, creating a codicil should suffice. Depending on the state, the document can be used to amend an existing will instead of replacing the entire agreement. Similar to a personal property memorandum, it is attached to the current will. A will attorney will let you know whether witnesses must be present for the signing of the testamentary document.

If you need legal advice for planning your estate or making adjustments to your last will and testament, will attorney Jennifer L. Tiger at Stayton Law in Stayton, OR, possesses the knowledge to help. With over 20 years of experience, you can trust her to take every precaution to ensure your inheritance is distributed as you see fit and your family is protected. To schedule a consultation in Willamette Valley or Santiam Canyon, call (503) 769-7741. Visit the law office online to learn more about her credentials.