How to Change a Will
Many people want to change your will because there has been a change of circumstances. Changes should not be made by amending the original will after it has been signed and witnessed as any obvious alterations on the face of the will are assumed to have been made at a later date and so do not form part of the original legally valid will.
There are only two ways to change a will :-
• a change to the will; or
• a new will.
Changes to a Will
Changes to a will which makes some alterations but leaves the rest of it intact. This might be done, for example, to increase a cash legacy, change an executor or guardian named in a will, or to add beneficiaries.
Changes must be signed by the person who made the will and be witnessed in the same way. However, the witnesses do not have to be the same as for the original will.
Legally you can add many changes to a will as you like, but they are only suitable for very straight forward changes
Making a new will
If you wish to make wholesale changes to a will you would be best advised to make a new will. A new will should begin with a clause stating that it revokes all previous wills and codicils. The old will should be destroyed. Revoking a will means that the old will is no longer legally binding.
If you require any advice on changing a will please speak to RM Legal and Wills Solicitors Parramatta for expert advice on all your Wills and Probate matters.
