Properly Updating Your Will Or Trust In California

You may not realize the value in hiring an experienced lawyer to make changes to your will or trust. When clients ask why they need an attorney, we help them understand the gravity of the decisions they are making and the possibility of litigation, should the update not meet legal standards. A single mistake in a will or trust can cause unnecessary emotional and financial stress on your family after you are gone.

Contact our attorney at the Mullin Law Firm if you are going to make a change to your will or trust. We can efficiently assist you in any updates and help you avoid litigation. Call our law Firm in Concord and Walnut Creek at 925-852-6014 to arrange a consultation.

We Put The Needs Of Your Family First

As the saying goes, if there’s one thing certain in life, it’s that nothing is certain. Circumstances can change — people drift away, pass away and have changes of heart. Children and grandchildren are born, and divorces and remarriages happen. There are all kinds of reasons why someone may wish to update a trust or estate plan.

With the help of our knowledgeable attorney, you can update your trust or will to meet legal requirements and have greater peace of mind that your desires will be carried out in the future, free of contest.

If you are considering making a change to a will or trust, speak to a lawyer with experience in estate planning matters. Scratching out a line or penciling in a new name will not suffice in a court of law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing A Will Or Trust

Making changes to a will or trust is a frequent event in the estate planning process. Here are answers to common questions you may have for our attorney:

How often should I review my will or trust?

How often you should review and make changes to your will or trust depends on a few factors. Many initiate estate planning reviews and updates every three to five years to include new assets. However, some life events warrant a swift review and potential updates.

For example, you may need to adjust your living will or power of attorney if you have recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition. You could also decide to make alterations after your marital status changes, such as after a marriage or divorce. You may also want to update your will or trust to include a newborn child or grandchild as a beneficiary of your estate.

These are just a few reasons to review your estate plan. You may want to reach out to the Mullin Law Firm to learn how to review your will or trust.

What changes can be made to a will or trust without creating a new document?

Typically, making changes to a will or trust requires the creation or addition of new legal documents. Creating new documents can revoke or amend a will or trust.

However, if you want to learn more about making changes to a will or trust without creating a new document, you should consider reaching out to the Mullin Law Firm to discuss your options with an experienced estate planning attorney.

How does a change in state residency affect my will or trust?

Every state has its unique will and trust laws. If you created a will or trust in another state, you may need to make alterations to meet California laws. This is because many states have different estate tax considerations. Altering a will or trust to align with your current state’s laws may protect your estate from taxes after you pass away.

Can beneficiaries contest changes made to a will or trust?

Yes. If you have made changes to your will or a trust, the named beneficiaries may have a right to challenge the authenticity of the alterations. This often happens if it is believed that a will or trust was created as a result of undue influence or fraud. To help prevent your will or trust from being contested, you may want to talk to an attorney about how to create a strong, valid and enforceable estate plan.

Is Your Estate Plan Up-To-Date?

Call our Concord attorney at 925-852-6014 or contact us online. We are committed to proving responsive service to our clients. Someone will always be available to answer your questions and provide you with quality legal guidance in a timely manner.