How to Modify a Will After It Has Been Signed

Even after you’ve prepared and signed a Will, you may still make changes. Continue reading to find out how to modify your Will.

If you decide to amend the terms of your last will and testament, notify your family and attorney of the change. They may not need to know the details of your new last will and testament, but they should be aware of its existence to avoid any possible misunderstanding after your death.

It is not difficult to change your final will and testament, but you cannot just scratch out or add a new phrase. You must either draft a “codicil,” which is a modification to your will, or draft a new last will and testament.

A codicil may be used to make small changes to a will without affecting the overall will. A codicil, however, must still be written and attested in accordance with the same procedures as the will itself.
If you want to make a lot of changes, or a few big ones, draft a new will. You should add a formal declaration in the new will cancelling the previous will.

In certain states, a divorce nullifies your last will and testament, at least in terms of the clauses relating to your former spouse.