Like good software, well-drafted wills accommodate diverse circumstances, but they don’t cover every possibility. Sometimes, updates are necessary.
So, when should you update your will? As a general rule, whenever it doesn’t say what it should. If you don’t understand everything your current will says, it’s best to consult a qualified estate planning attorney for answers. Many will help you free of charge.
If you understand your will but don’t like what it says, you already know that you need an update.
More challenging is when you’re unsure whether to make updates but want to stay abreast of important developments. Here are two obvious indicators that updates may be a good idea:
- your child has recently married someone you don’t like
- someone in your family has started receiving governmental financial assistance because of a disability.
Under these circumstances, although your original plan may have been suitable, it may now be very unwise.
Of course, there are many other reasons to make changes. Many concern your beneficiaries—essentially, anyone your will says should receive property from your estate.
In my next post, I’ll review in more detail how changes to your beneficiaries’ lives can affect whether you need to update your will. For now, take a moment to review your current document.
If you’d like a professional eye, schedule a virtual consultation or call me, Attorney Tyson Cain, at 715-301-0055.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a qualified estate planning attorney about your specific situation.
The Testamentary Writ 
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