How Can I Alter My Will?
According to New Jersey law, a will can only be altered by the execution of another will or codicil that explains the desired amendment. A codicil is an additional legal document that amends but does not replace a will. The execution of a codicil must meet all the standards for execution of a full will.
How Can I Revoke My Will Completely?
If you would like to revoke your will, New Jersey statutes provide that this can be accomplished through a writing or action. To revoke a will through writing, an individual must execute a subsequent will that revokes the previous will, in whole or part, expressly or by inconsistency. Actions that will revoke a will include burning, tearing, or physically destroying the will in some other manner.
What if I Change My Mind?
If you revoke a will and then later decide that you would like to revive it, New Jersey statutes allow this to occur through two methods: (1) re-execution; or (2) a duly executed codicil that expresses your intention to revive it. A re-executed will must be executed following the same requirements as the initial will. A codicil is an additional document that amends but does not replace a will.