Can a last will and testament be changed?
The short answer is yes, a last will and testament can be changed. A change to a will is called a codicil in the State of Utah. But the more complicated answer is that it depends on the reason for the amendment, how it's done, and how outdated the will is.
First, let's go over the two types of wills that you may have: a holographic will and a formal legal notarized will. A holographic will is a handwritten document that doesn't require any witnesses or notary to be valid. It's become more common to use electronic documents to write down your final wishes, but if you still have an old hand-written version of a will somewhere, you're in possession of a holographic will. In order for this type of document to be valid, it must include all four elements required by state law—the date of signing (which implies the date of execution), your signature, your name, and the names and addresses of your heirs who are now entitled to inherit your property. To change this type of will, all you need to do is add or remove beneficiaries within the terms of the document—nothing else needs to change unless there have been some drastic changes in circumstances (like if your family members pass on or suffer serious injuries).
With regards to changing the notarized will—a lot of formalities need to take place. An estate planning attorney can help you make sure that your last wishes are followed and that your children and other loved ones are cared for after you're gone. Your next step is to get a free consultation from this law firm:
Parklin Law LLC
5772 West 8030 South, Unit N206
West Jordan, UT 84081
(801) 618-0699
https://parklinlaw.com/last-will-and-testament/
Comments
Post a Comment