{"id":287095,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/wills\/changes-revocation-challenges.html"},"modified":"2025-03-31T12:48:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T17:48:21","slug":"changes-revocation-challenges","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills\/changes-revocation-challenges.html","title":{"rendered":"Revoking, Challenging, or Changing a Will"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Revoking, Challenging, or Changing a Will<\/h1>\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Your last will and testament is the legal document you leave behind that instructs how your property and your debts should be handled after your death. Understandably, many people assume that once their will is drafted and signed, it is \u201cgood to go" until they pass away. This is only sometimes true.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Life changes can affect how you want your property distributed as the years pass. Failure to address these changes can convert your original will into a document that works against you. It’s critical to keep your will up to date.<\/p>\r\n

If you die without a will<\/a>, state probate laws say that the rules of intestate succession<\/a> apply. The distribution of your property would proceed according to rules that may not necessarily align with your wishes. Most people would do well to execute a will<\/a> and make sure it stays updated.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides basic information on updating and revoking your will. It also discusses how a will can face a challenge if you don’t update it properly.<\/p>\r\n

Common Reasons for Updating Your Will<\/h2>\r\n

If you have a will, you probably understand the importance of this kind of estate planning document. It might provide directives such as:<\/p>\r\n