Modifying A Will in Wisconsin

If you have had a life event such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child,  it is in your best interest to review and update your will.  There are a few steps that must be taken to ensure the new will is valid and the old will is revoked.  If something were to happen to you you want to have peace of mind knowing your final and most recent wishes are being respected.  

The first step in modifying a will is revoking your any prior wills.  You can revoke a will by either creating another document clearly stating that any previous wills have been revoked and are no longer valid or by physically destroying the will.

The next step is to write a new will with your wishes such as what happens to your estate, and if there are minor children involved, who will become their legal guardian?  

The third step in the process, just like when you originally wrote a will, is signing the document in front of at least two uninterested witnesses.  We recommend having a lawyer act as a witness, as they are unrelated to you and thus will not inherit anything.

The fourth and final step in modifying your living will is notifying necessary individuals of your new will.  You should also keep a copy with other important documents.  Notifying family members and the individual named as the executor or personal representative of your estate will also ensure that no one is surprised by any modifications.  

Our estate planning lawyers offer a personalized, client-centered approach to planning your estate. We welcome calls and visits to our office at no-cost to you, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future stress free. Contact us today online or by telephone at (608) 254-9589 to prepare for your future.

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