When and Why You Should Update Your Will


Preparing a will is the best way to be certain your property is distributed according to your wishes. What many people don’t realize is that keeping your will up to date is as important as having a will. That is why the Virginia Society of CPAs recommends that you review your will periodically, especially when changes to personal circumstances, your financial situation, or to the tax laws occur.

Here are some situations that should trigger an immediate will review:

  • Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage – These life events can have a major impact on financial planning documents. For example, if a widow or widower remarries, it is important that the will is updated to show how the children from the previous marriage and the new spouse should be provided for in the will.
  • A New Heir – Updating a will is especially important when you have a child, because your will allows you to name a guardian to care for your child in the event that something happens to both you and your spouse. If you don’t name a guardian for your child, the courts will appoint one and it may not be whom you would have selected.
  • Death of Someone Named in the Will – The death of a named executor, guardian, beneficiary, or trustee signals a need to make changes to those provisions in your will.
  • Substantial Increase/Decrease of Net Worth – If you win the lottery, get a large personal injury settlement, or receive a large inheritance, additional tax planning might be necessary to minimize the tax bill on your estate. On the other hand, a significant decline in your financial assets might dictate altering your specific bequests or making other modifications.
  • Relocation to Another State – If you relocate, you should have an attorney in the state of your new residence review your will. This is especially important if you move to or from a community property state. Although all states recognize a will that was properly created in another state, there may be some nuances that need to be addressed.
  • Tax Law Changes – Updating your will allows you to take advantage of recent developments and new techniques in estate planning. With the estate tax exemption scheduled to change a number of times between now and 2011, and the prospect of future changes, it’s more important than ever to review your will on a regular basis.
  • Changes to Your Intentions – Changing your mind about something in your will should be handled as soon as you’ve decided. From adding a new beneficiary or charitable donation to second thoughts about your executor or the guardian of your children, be sure to make these changes on a timely basis. If your revised intentions do not make it into print, they will have no legal effect.

How to change your will

You can’t just make changes on your will. While every change doesn’t necessitate redrafting, marking your will up invalidates it. In the past, changes were made by creating an amendment called a “codicil,” which to be valid, has to be signed and witnessed like a will. A codicil supplements your will and can modify, further explain, or add, delete or revoke provisions in the existing document. However, in the age of computers and word processing, it is much better to redraft, sign and witness a new will.

Once you have signed your will, keep it in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, and be sure that your family members know where to find it. You should keep a duplicate unsigned copy handy and review it periodically to see if any changes are needed.

Reviewing your will is an important part of the estate planning process. Working with your CPA and attorney will help to ensure that your will is in alignment with your financial and state planning objectives.

The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is the leading professional association dedicated to enhancing the success of CPAs. Founded in 1909, the VSCPA has 9,000 members who work in public accounting, industry, government and education. For general information, please visit the Press Room on the VSCPA website at www.vscpa.com, e-mail vscpa@vscpa.com or call (804) 612-9424. To search for a CPA in your geographic region, visit www.financialfitness.org and click on “Find a CPA.”

©American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

LAST UPDATED 3/7/2010

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