Have you already put together your estate planning and have a will stored somewhere, but it no longer reflects what you actually want? As family dynamics change or your financial situation alters, you need to keep your estate plan up to date. In some circumstances, that might require writing up a new will or making an amendment to your existing one.Â
Your California will may no longer align with your assets or desired distribution plan. Changing a will typically requires either creating a new will or drafting an amendment to your existing will. Before engaging in this process, talk to a Pasadena estate planning lawyer to get confirmation of what to expect and which is the better process to follow.
A will must be in writing, signed by the person who is making the will, and witnessed by two adults who are aware that they are witnessing a will or an amendment to a will. While you do legally have the option to amend your will on your own, it is advisable to consult with a Pasadena estate planning law firm attorney. This ensures that your will reflects your intentions as well as complies with California laws.
If you don’t update your will after a significant life change, this could lead to unintended consequences. The most common way for this to occur is after a divorce. Your assets could be distributed according to California’s intestacy laws or in line with an older version of your will that gives things to a previous spouse if you do not take the proactive steps to update things. Our law firm can help answer your questions and support you in this process.