How to change a will with an attorney?
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. However, as your circumstances change, you may find it necessary to make changes to your will. To ensure that your changes are legally sound and that your wishes are accurately reflected in your estate plan, it’s important to work with an attorney. Here’s how to change a will with an attorney.
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Review your current will.
The first step in changing a will is to review your current will. You should take note of any changes that you want to make and be prepared to discuss them with your attorney. It’s also important to ensure that your current will is legally sound and that it accurately reflects your wishes.
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Consult with an attorney.
Changing a will is a legal process, which is why it’s important to consult with an attorney. The attorney can provide guidance on the process and help to ensure that the changes are legally sound. The attorney may also review the original will to identify any potential issues that may arise with the changes.
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Determine the changes you want to make.
Once you have consulted with an attorney, you should determine the changes you want to make to your will. This may involve adding or removing beneficiaries, changing the distribution of assets, or appointing a new executor. You should be prepared to discuss these changes with your attorney and provide any necessary documentation to support your wishes.
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Prepare a new will or codicil.
After you have determined the changes you want to make, your attorney will prepare a new will or codicil. A codicil is a legal document that amends an existing will, while a new will replaces the original will. The attorney can help you determine which option is best for your situation.
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Execute the new will or codicil.
After the new will or codicil has been prepared, it must be executed. This involves signing and dating the document in the presence of witnesses. The witnesses must also sign the document, indicating that they witnessed the signing of the new will or codicil.
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Store the new will or codicil with the original will.
After the new will or codicil has been executed, it’s important to store it with the original will in a safe and secure location. This ensures that the new will or codicil is easily accessible and can be located when needed.
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Review other estate planning documents.
In addition to changing the will, it’s also important to review other estate planning documents, such as trusts or powers of attorney. These documents may need to be changed to ensure that they align with the changes made to the will.
In conclusion, changing a will is a complex process that requires the guidance and expertise of an attorney. By following these steps, you can change your will with confidence, knowing that your wishes will be accurately reflected in your estate plan. Remember, it’s important to consult with an attorney whenever you need to make changes to your will or other estate planning documents to ensure that they are legally sound and aligned with your wishes.