Skip to main content

I have a will but I want to amend a thing or two. If I make the change in the margin and then initial everything will that work or should I just do a new will? Thanks in advance.

Editor's Response

No, making changes in the margin is not an acceptable way to change or amend your will.  The second option you mention will work.  Most wills have language stating that the testator intends to revoke any and all prior wills, so your new will will revoke the old one.
 
Another option (probably best done by an attorney) is to add a codicil to your will.  A codicil is a separate document that amends an existing will.  It should make specific reference to the existing will and must be executed with all the formality of a will (e.g., the execution of the will must be witnessed by two competent adults who are not beneficiaries, and the witnesses should be in the room when the testator signs and watch the actual signing of the document.)  Good luck.

Talk to a Lawyer Today
Find an Estate Planning Attorney in your County
Most offer FREE Consultations

Recent Posts about Massachusetts Laws

ForumLast post
Hello. I'm in the middle of an appeal for SSDI and my attorney asked me to get a residual functional capacity....
First, I guess it's not a good sign that you do not trust your current....
2/7/2012 08:18
by Adam13
Hi everybody. I am trying to make an offer on a house, which is an estate sale. As I understand, the execut....
2/6/2012 13:50
by ilya980
I've been helping a friend pay for a lawyer to go to probate court. Her ex-Boyfriend, whom she is taking to c....
2/6/2012 12:21
by rbiddle
Hello. I live in Massachusetts and I'll have to file bankruptcy in the next few weeks or definitely within a ....
If it were me, I would stop using the credit card(s).  Since you ....
2/6/2012 06:45
by RCD68
I dropped my car off for repairs at a MA mechanic in my town. He had to keep the car for a couple of days to ....
Sorry about the charges, but I think the mechanic is following the law....
2/4/2012 07:03
by WinnD
Hi, there. I'm hoping to find some clarity with a landlord situation I'm currently in. Apologies for the lengt....
Short answer for a long question:  You need to review Massachuset....
2/4/2012 00:02
by klp
If I witness a person getting beat up at a party and just run away without calling the cops or helping the guy....
I don't think so.  In terms of civil liability (as opposed to cri....
2/3/2012 07:17
by Coller
My father passed away in September. The probate is over and settled, no contests to the will. My mother is the....
Your dad died in September and the probate is already settled – ....
2/2/2012 18:50
by JGraul
Hi. My cousin is charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs in a Massachusetts court. He is not a....
Unfortunately for your cousin, if an immigrant is convicted of certain....
2/2/2012 08:07
by Sister6
I just got served been divorced since 1999 ex is looking for more support and college expenses, divorce decree....
Hi. Since any matters in the divorce order or agreement relating to th....
2/1/2012 19:16
by customsporty
Just curious if you have any thoughts or have read any information regarding the success rate of divorce media....
Yes, I've also seen the 90% estimate on various websites, with some me....
1/24/2012 11:47
by RRM
Several of my colleagues will dictate consultation notes in which they state they don't have the complete hist....
The question probably boils down to whether or not such practice is wi....
10/2/2011 18:37
by Anonymous