Your will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever create.
It reflects your wishes for how your assets should be distributed and who should handle your estate when you’re no longer here. But life changes, and so should your will. Whether you’ve had a major life event, changed your mind, or simply realized your will is outdated, you may need to update it to ensure your intentions are honored.
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we’re here to help Pennsylvania residents navigate this process without stress or confusion. In this guide, we’ll explain when and how to change your will, what to avoid, and why working with a professional matters. Let’s dive in.
Life Changes. Your Will Should Too.
Creating a will isn’t a “set-it-and-forget-it” task. Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your estate plan. Have you recently gotten married? Had a new baby or grandchild? Maybe you’ve bought property, like a home in Harrisburg or farmland in Lancaster, or experienced the loss of a loved one named in your will.
These are just a few reasons why you might need to revisit and update your will. Failing to make changes can lead to confusion, unintended consequences, or even family disputes. Keeping your will up-to-date ensures your legacy is protected and your wishes are crystal clear.
Yes, You Can Change a Will – Here’s What to Know
The short answer is yes, you can change a will in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re making a small adjustment or a major overhaul, the law allows you to update your will at any time as long as you follow the proper legal process.
Here’s an example: If you remarried recently in Pittsburgh, you might want to include your new spouse in your will and ensure your updated wishes override the old ones. A clear, legally valid change protects your new family while avoiding confusion.
What You Should Do When Updating Your Will
1. Work With an Estate Planning Attorney
While it might be tempting to make changes on your own, DIY updates can create costly mistakes. A qualified estate planning attorney ensures your changes are legally valid and clearly documented. This prevents future disputes among your beneficiaries.
2. Draft a New Will
When it’s time for will updates, it’s often best to create a new will entirely. This helps eliminate confusion caused by multiple amendments.
3. Communicate With Your Family
Updating your will can impact your loved ones, so it’s a good idea to keep them informed. For example, if you plan to leave the family home in Lancaster to one child, explaining your reasoning now can prevent hurt feelings or misunderstandings later.
Pro Tip: Once you update your will, store it in a safe place where your executor can easily find it. Let your executor know where to access the most current version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing a Will
Updating your will is straightforward when done correctly, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Don’t Handwrite Changes on the Original Document
Adding notes, crossing out sections, or handwriting changes on your will may seem like a quick fix, but in Pennsylvania, this won’t hold up in court. Informal changes can render your will invalid.
2. Don’t Forget to Revoke Old Versions
If you draft a new will, make sure to revoke any previous versions. Having multiple wills can confuse your executor and lead to disputes over which version is valid.
3. Don’t Skip the Witnesses
In Pennsylvania, changes to your will must be signed and witnessed by at least two people. Without proper witnessing, your updates may not be legally recognized. At Entrusted Legacy Law, we provide two witnesses and notary for you at your Signing Ceremony.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your will is updated properly and reduces the risk of challenges later on.
Can an Executor Change a Will? Understanding Their Role
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can an executor change a will?”.
The short answer: No, they can’t.
An executor’s job is to carry out your wishes exactly as stated in your will. They cannot rewrite, alter, or ignore any part of it – even if family members disagree with your decisions.
For example, let’s say you leave your vacation cabin in the Poconos to one child and not the others. Even if the other children object, the executor must follow your instructions. This is why keeping your will clear, updated, and legally sound is so important.
By addressing concerns during your lifetime and updating your will as needed, you can reduce tension and ensure your executor has a smooth process to follow.
A Simple Guide to Updating Your Will in Pennsylvania
Changing your will doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to ensure your updates are legally valid:
Review Your Current Will: Take a look at your existing will and make a list of the changes you want to make.
Decide on a New Will: Draft a new will to avoid confusion.
Work With an Estate Planning Attorney: A professional ensures your changes meet Pennsylvania’s legal requirements.
Revoke Old Versions: Destroy outdated copies of your will or mark them as revoked to prevent future conflicts.
Store the Updated Will Safely: Keep the new version in a secure location and let your executor know where to find it.
When Should You Update Your Will? Key Life Events
Major life changes often signal it’s time to update your will. Here are some key events to watch for:
Marriage, Divorce, or Remarriage: Include or remove a spouse as needed.
Birth or Adoption of Children or Grandchildren: Update beneficiaries to reflect your growing family.
Buying or Selling Significant Property: If you’ve bought a home in Pittsburgh or sold your Lancaster farmland, your will should reflect these changes.
Death of a Spouse, Beneficiary, or Executor: Replace individuals named in your will if needed.
Changes in Finances or Tax Laws: Big financial changes or tax law updates may impact your estate plan.
We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years to ensure it still aligns with your wishes and life circumstances.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Changing your will on your own might seem simple, but small mistakes can cause major issues for your loved ones. DIY changes can leave your will unclear, invalid, or open to challenges.
At Entrusted Legacy Law, we work closely with families across Pennsylvania to ensure their wills are updated properly and reflect their true intentions. To make things even easier, we offer our clients a complimentary three-year review to discuss any updates or changes needed to keep their estate plans current and effective. Whether you’re making a small update or starting fresh, we make the process clear, efficient, and stress-free.
Take Control of Your Estate Plan Today
Keeping your will updated is one of the best ways to protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Don’t let life changes catch you off guard.
Ready to update your will? Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today for trusted guidance and support. Let’s make sure your wishes are clear, valid, and protected—now and for years to come.
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