Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas
Modify will without consulting an attorney
My will was originally prepared by an attorney. I want to modify one section. How can I modify my will without consulting an attorney and yet still be legally binding?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Modify will without consulting an attorney
You can do it two ways: 1. Make a "codicil" which is like a little addendum you make modifying the original Will, I can't remember the requirements for a codicil, so you'd need to look those up in the Probate Code. 2. Make a new Will. It is possible in Texas to write out your own Will and it will be valid AS LONG AS it is done 100% in your own handwriting; it does not even need to be notarized, but that would not hurt. Be sure to destroy the first Will if you do this. Of course, writing your own Will has some risks too, you may try to do things you cannot legally do, or you may do things in a way that causes more taxes, or additional probate proceedings. I'd recommend such only for very simple estates or in emergencies, when you're in a hurry, like when you are about to travel and are worried you may not return.