What Are the Legal Steps to Amend a Will After a Major Life Event in San Marcos, TX?

When you experience a significant life event such as marriage, birth, or loss of a family member, you may want to update your will accordingly. A trustworthy will attorney in San Marcos, TX can guide you through the process of legally amending your will in this situation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Amending Your Will After a Major Life Event: Advice From Your Will Attorney in San Marcos, TX

1. Decide Whether to Revoke or Update the Will

For minor changes, you can add a codicil to your old will. This legal document serves as an attachment to your will and outlines revisions you’ve made. If you have extensive changes, you may want to revoke the previous will and replace it with a completely new document.  

2. Create the Necessary Document

You follow the same process in Texas to make either a new will or a codicil. The will or codicil must be in writing and signed by you as well as two witnesses who are at least 14 years old. State law requires you to be 18 years old and of sound mind to create a will. You can make a valid will before age 18 if you’re in the military or married.

A valid will or codicil must be a physical document, not a PDF or digital copy. You can either type and print out the will or write it by hand, as long as it’s completely in your own handwriting. You don’t have to legally notarize a will or codicil in Texas.

3. Revoke Your Previous Will

Unless you decide to add a codicil, you will need to revoke your previous will. Texas gives you a few ways to cancel a will. You can include language in your new will to indicate that it supersedes the former document. You can also physically destroy your copy of the will or ask someone else to destroy it in front of you.

4. Review Periodically

Keep the physical printed copy of your new will in a safe place, and give a copy to your attorney. We recommend that our clients revisit their wills every few years, or any time they have a significant life event. You should update the document if you experience marriage, divorce, the birth or death of a family member, or the adoption of a child. Out-of-state moves, gain or loss of a valuable asset, and substantial income growth may also require an update to your will.

When you’re reviewing your will, make sure you’ve chosen the right person as your executor. If you’re a parent, you may want to update the person you’ve named as your child’s guardian. You should also review the beneficiaries for each of your accounts to make sure they reflect your intentions.

We make it easy to amend your will to reflect your current family structure, financial situation, and wishes for your legacy. We can also help you develop other important aspects of a comprehensive estate plan. Contact Artie Pennington Law Offices in Kyle, TX today to schedule an estate planning appointment.

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