How to Ensure Your Will Reflects Your Current Wishes

As life changes—whether it’s the birth of children, changes in your relationships, or shifts in financial circumstances—so too should your will. 

Regularly reviewing and updating your will is essential to make sure that it aligns with your present situation and desires. Taking the time to update your will gives you the confidence that your wishes will be respected after you pass.

Creating or revising your will can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s necessary to keep it up-to-date as your life evolves. At Porter Law Firm, located in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, we recognize the importance of making sure your will accurately reflects your current wishes and intentions.

We’ll cover the key steps to making sure your will reflects your current wishes, as well as what you should look out for when updating or revising your document. Continue reading to learn how to ensure your will is in line with your present needs.

Why You Need to Regularly Review Your Will

Wills should be living documents that change as your life changes. Whether it's due to significant life events, such as marriage or the birth of a child, or changes in your financial or personal circumstances, your will should reflect those changes. 

The last thing you want is for your loved ones to be left confused about your intentions after your passing. Updating your will is an essential step to guarantee that your wishes are clear and carried out properly.

Additionally, updating your will makes sure that it stays legally valid and in compliance with the law. Laws around estate planning can change, and a will that was valid a few years ago may no longer meet legal standards. Regularly reviewing your will helps you avoid any potential issues down the road.

What You Should Review and Update

As you evaluate your will, think about the significant changes in your life that could affect how your assets are distributed. You may need to make changes to various sections of your will, such as:

• Beneficiaries: Have any family members been added or removed from your life, and do they need to be included in your will?

• Executor: Is the person you originally chose to administer your estate still the best fit?

• Assets: Have your assets changed, such as buying or selling property, investments, or valuable possessions?

• Trusts: Do you need to set up a trust for your minor children or update existing trust provisions?

By reviewing these areas, you can make sure that all relevant details are captured in your will, giving you the peace of mind that it reflects your current situation.

Steps to Take When Updating Your Will

When it’s time to update your will, taking a structured approach can help make sure all necessary changes are addressed. Begin by reviewing your current will to identify any outdated information, such as changes in beneficiaries, assets, or personal representatives. 

Keeping a checklist of what needs to be updated can simplify the process and prevent important details from being overlooked.

Once you’ve identified necessary changes, clearly document your revisions to avoid confusion. Making a new will is often the best way to assure clarity, as handwritten changes on an existing will may not always be legally valid. Destroying old copies after creating a revised will prevents conflicting versions from causing issues in the future.

It’s also important to communicate your updates with trusted individuals. Letting your chosen executor and beneficiaries know that you’ve made changes can help avoid surprises and misunderstandings later. By following these steps, you can keep your will up-to-date and reflective of your current wishes.

Considerations When Choosing an Executor

One of the most important aspects of your will is naming an executor. This individual will be responsible for making sure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. It’s important to choose someone who isn’t only trustworthy but also capable of handling the responsibility. 

If you’ve had a change in relationships or circumstances, it may be time to reconsider who you’ve appointed as executor.

A few key qualities to look for when selecting an executor include:

• Reliability: Choose someone who is dependable and will carry out your wishes without hesitation.

• Organizational skills: The executor must manage the details of your estate, from paying off debts to distributing assets, in an orderly and timely manner.

• Willingness: Make sure that the person you select is willing to take on this responsibility and understands the time commitment involved.

Selecting the right executor is vital for making sure that your estate is handled properly, which is why it’s important to review your choice regularly.

When Major Life Changes Should Trigger an Update

Some of the most significant life events require immediate updates to your will. Events such as a marriage, the birth of children, or a divorce can drastically change how you want your estate to be distributed. If any of these events occur, it’s important to review and revise your will as soon as possible to reflect the new changes in your life.

Other major changes, such as acquiring new assets or selling property, may also require updates. If your financial situation has shifted, it’s essential to make sure your will accounts for these changes.

Including Digital Assets in Your Will

As technology continues to play a larger role in our lives, digital assets have become an important part of estate planning. Digital assets include things like social media accounts, email accounts, online banking, and even cryptocurrency holdings. 

If you have digital assets, it’s crucial to address them in your will to make sure that they’re managed according to your wishes after your death.

Without clear instructions on how to handle these digital assets, your loved ones may face difficulty accessing or closing these accounts. Including specific instructions on how to manage these assets makes sure that there aren’t complications.

How to Make Sure Your Will Is Legally Binding

For your will to be legally effective, it must meet the requirements of your state’s laws. These laws often dictate how a will must be signed, witnessed, and stored in order to be considered valid. A will that fails to meet these legal requirements can be contested, leading to delays in the administration of your estate.

To make sure your will is legally binding, follow these important steps:

• Sign the will in front of two qualified witnesses who aren’t beneficiaries of your estate.

• Store your will in a safe, accessible location, such as a safety deposit box or with your attorney.

• Consider using a notary to make sure that the will meets additional legal standards in your state.

Making sure that your will is legally valid is essential for avoiding complications when it’s time for your estate to be administered.

Storing Your Will and Making It Accessible

Once your will is updated, it’s crucial to store it in a safe but accessible location. The last thing you want is for your loved ones to be unable to find your will when the time comes. Whether you store it in a secure file, a safe deposit box, or with your attorney, make sure someone you trust knows where it is and how to access it.

Proper storage makes sure that your will can be easily located, preventing delays in carrying out your wishes.

Update Your Will With Our Firm Today

Keeping your will updated is an important part of estate planning. Regularly reviewing your will assures that it reflects your current wishes, helping your loved ones avoid confusion and conflict after your passing. 

At our firm in South Carolina, Attorney Porter is ready to help you make sure that your will reflects your current intentions. Reach out to Porter Law Firm to discuss updating your will to see that your wishes are respected.