Sunday, January 13, 2008

How to Revoke a Will

Introduction

A will is the way in which you can give one final gift in life. Many circumstances in a person's life cause the need to change, alter or add to their will. Here are several ways to revoke a will.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Thoroughly read your states statute on how to revoke a will. Know the law that gives you the power to take back what a will gives away.
2

Step Two

Burn or tear up the unwanted copy of the will. Video tape the destruction of the will or have a trustworthy person as a witness.
3

Step Three

Write a new will and add a sentence that says that you wish to revoke all prior wills and codicils. A codicil is a supplement to a will; this has to be revoked as well.
4

Step Four

Give all your property away before you die. This does not actually revoke the will but it has a similar effect. There are several exceptions to this rule, so this is the least favorable option.
5

Step Five

Make a new will notarized with the exact date. If there is a contradiction in two viable wills, then the most recent will should prevail in a court of law.

Tips & Warnings

  • It is not necessary to destroy the unwanted will in front of anyone, but if another will surfaces after your death there may be a problem as to whether the will in question was ever destroyed.
  • This is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for your particular situation.

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