A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets once you pass away. However, as life is unpredictable, your circumstances and wishes may change over time. That is why it is important to understand that even after you create a Will, you have the ability to modify or revoke it if necessary.
To ensure that your final wishes are carried out as you intend, it can be helpful to work with an experienced estate planning attorney in Northern Virginia. These legal professionals can provide guidance on what options you have, help you navigate the legal requirements, and ensure that your Will reflects your current wishes.
How Is a Will Revoked in Virginia?
According to Virginia law, a Will can be revoked at any time before a person’s death. This can be done by shredding, cutting, burning, or tearing up the Will. Furthermore, individuals can also write the word “VOID” on every page of the Will to revoke it.
On the other hand, a partial revocation can be accomplished by creating a new Will or a written Codicil as long as the documents indicate you intend to partially or completely revoke the previous Will.
Why Would You Need To Revoke a Will?
One of the most common reasons people decide to revoke a Will is to change the distributions to the beneficiaries named in the document. However, these Wills are also revoked when other major life events occur, including:
- A divorce or a new marriage
- Children are no longer a minor
- A death in the family
- Birth of a child or an adoption
- Disability
- Emancipation of a special needs child
- New assets, such as real estate or money
- The desire to appoint a new executor
Whatever your reason for wanting to revoke a Will, to better understand your options, consider reaching out to a knowledgeable Northern Virginia estate planning attorney. These legal professionals can help you recognize what options you have and help ensure these changes are carried out.
Should You Make a New Will Before Revoking an Old Will?
In general, an old Will is usually revoked when a person signs their new Will as long as the updated documents specifically indicate that the prior Will is now revoked. However, the old Will can also be revoked when it is thrown away, torn up, or burned.
If you are considering creating a new Will but want to know more about the process and whether you should revoke your old Will first, consider discussing the situation with an experienced Northern Virginia estate planning attorney.
Contact Ardent Guardian Today To Learn More About Revoking a Will in Northern Virginia
If you are looking to update your estate plan in Northern Virginia or want to know more about revoking a Will, contact Ardent Guardian today. Our legal team can review your situation, figure out the steps you should take next, and determine what legal documents can help secure your family’s future.
