Can I change or revoke my Will?

Yes. You should review your will periodically. If it is not up to date when you die, your estate may not be distributed as you wish.

Minor changes only need a small amendment to your will called a codicil, a legal document that must be drafted and executed with the same procedure that applies to wills. You must not change your will by simply crossing out words or sentences, or by making any notes or written corrections on it.

Anything complicated is probably best dealt with by making a new Will. When you create a new, replacement will, you revoke your old will.

A Will should be changed whenever it no longer meets your needs for any reason, including a change in family circumstances or change in assets, and should be reviewed periodically also on account of changes in the law. Specifically, if you get married or divorced, or establish a registered domestic partnership or terminate one, you should seek the advice of a lawyer and make a new will. You should also review your will when there are any other major changes in your family (such as births and deaths), when the value of your assets significantly increases or decreases, and when it is no longer appropriate for your proposed guardian or executor or testamentary trustee to act in that capacity. If you move out of state, your Washington will should be reviewed by a lawyer there.

Whether your estate is large or small, you probably need an estate plan. For more information on estate planning, call us at 206-782-0722.

More Estate Planning FAQs