Can I make changes to my original copy of my Will after I had it prepared by an attorney?
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Can I make changes to my original copy of my Will after I had it prepared by an attorney?
Also, does a Will have to be filed before death?
Asked on October 11, 2011 under Estate Planning, New York
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
By "make changes" do you mean can you physically write on the Will to make changes to it? No, no, no. Absolutely not. If you do anything to alter the Will - anything: write on it, unstaple it, anything - you will void the Will. In order to change the Will you will need to have an attorney draw up a codicil to the Will or have a new Will drawn up entirely if the changes are really a lot. Does a Will have to be filed? No, it does not have to be filed. It can be filed with the Court if you choose it to be but it is not required under New York State law. In fact, some do not advise filing the Will for the very reason that you ask this question: what if a subsequent Will is drawn up? Good luck to you.
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