What happens if the plans in your current will no longer match what you want? It’s not enough to tell someone that you want to update things. Your will needs to be formally amended or revoked if you wish to switch things.
The creation of a will can be put off until you decide to finally work with an estate planning lawyer to document your wishes. Even when you create a will today, it may not be the case that this continues to account for your estate planning desires for years to come. In California you have two options when you need to update your will. The first is to create a new will and the second is to draft a codicil or an amendment to the will.
While you can legally amend your will on your own, it is advisable to work with a Pasadena estate planning attorney. This ensures that your estate plan fully encompasses your individual wishes and aligns with California law. Common mistakes could lead to will challenges in the future or distribution of your assets not in line with what you intended. If you fail to update your will after a significant life change, this could lead to unintended consequences for your beneficiaries. Some of the most common life circumstances that prompt people to update or revoke a previous will include marriage, divorce or the birth of a child.
In the event that your will is ruled invalid, California’s intestacy laws would apply, meaning that your assets will be distributed without your individual wishes considered. Working with a qualified Pasadena estate planning attorney can help you to discuss the benefits of establishing a new will or amending an existing one.
