When making a will, it is important to consider all the legal and practical implications of what the document may contain. One of the most important aspects to consider is the ability to revoke the will.
Knowing the rules of revoking a will can help you make informed decisions and ensure that someone carries out your last wishes.
Destroying your will
In Washington, you can revoke your current will by physically destroying it. You can do this by canceling, obliterating, burning or tearing it. This destruction cannot be accidental; you must do it with the purpose of revoking it. If you must have another person destroy the will for you, you have to be present so that you can oversee and direct what the person does.
Writing a new will
Another way you could revoke your will is by writing a new one. Any inconsistencies will cancel out what the previous will stated. However, any clauses in the original will that you do not contradict will stay in place. You could also add an express statement to make it clear that you wish to replace the old will with a new one.
It is important to understand the implications of what you are doing before you make any changes to a will. The revocation could have an effect on other documents, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, as well as on your beneficiaries. However, with the right approach, you can make changes that benefit you and your loved ones.