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Updating Your Will: When and How, Tips from Brampton Wills and Estates Lawyers

Updating your will can feel overwhelming, but keeping it current is crucial. Whether you’re experiencing life-changing events or thinking ahead, updating your will is a wise step to ensure your wishes are respected. Situations like these are when you need the guidance of an experienced wills and estates lawyer in Brampton.

This blog article will help you determine when to update your will and how to do it efficiently. Let’s ensure your legacy is as you intend without any added stress.

When Should You Update Your Will?

There are a few key life events that should prompt an update to your will, including:

  1. Marriage or Divorce
    Marriage and divorce directly impact your will and should prompt you to make updates. After divorce, you’ll likely want to remove your ex-spouse’s name from your will and replace it with new beneficiaries.
    Similarly, after getting married, you’ll likely want to include your new spouse in your will and make any necessary changes to asset distribution.
  2. Birth or Adoption
    When your child enters the world, you’ll want to ensure they’re provided for in your will. If you already have children, the arrival of a new child may impact how your assets are distributed among them.
  3. Death of a Beneficiary or Executor
    The death of a beneficiary or executor named in your will should motivate an update to ensure that the remaining beneficiaries are still accurately reflected.
    It’s also wise to have a backup executor in place if your first choice can no longer fulfill the role. For information about your specific situation, it’s wise to contact a skilled wills and estates lawyer in Brampton.
  4. Change in Financial Situation
    Significant changes in your financial situation, such as a major increase or decrease in assets, should also prompt an update to your will. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your current wishes and that any new assets are included.
  5. Changes in Health or End-of-Life Wishes
    If your health has significantly deteriorated, updating your will to reflect changes in your end-of-life wishes is essential. That includes specifying who will make medical decisions on your behalf and outlining any care or treatment you wish to receive.

How to Update Your Will

Here are the steps you should take to ensure your will accurately reflects your wishes:

  1. Review Your Current Will: First, review your current will and note any changes that need to be made. This step will help guide you in the updating process.
  2. Make a List of Changes: Write down all the changes you want to make to your will. This can include adding or removing beneficiaries, changing asset distribution, and updating the executor or trustee.
  3. Consult a Wills and Estates Lawyer: An experienced wills and estates lawyer in Brampton can advise you on any legal implications of the changes you want to make and help ensure your will is valid and enforceable.
    If a previous lawyer was involved in your will or estate, bring their contact details and any pertinent documents when you consult with your new wills and estates lawyer.
  4. Sign and Date the Updated Will: Make sure to sign and date the updated will in the presence of witnesses, as required by your jurisdiction’s laws.
  5. Store Your Will Safely: Store your updated will in a safe and secure location, such as a fireproof safe or with your wills and estates lawyer. Also, provide your executor or trusted family member a copy for safekeeping.

Get Expert Guidance from GS Brar Law’s Brampton Wills and Estates Lawyers

GS Brar Law’s experienced wills and estates lawyers in Brampton are dedicated to helping clients like you organize your affairs, allowing your family to focus on healing without added stress.

Call (905) 291 3297 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation today; begin the process and learn how we can support you.

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