Will Amendments & Codicil

Will Amendments & Codicils in Tacoma

Update Your Will As Life & Priorities Change

An existing will may no longer express your wishes after changes to your family, finances, property, or residence. McCarthy Law Office, PLLC helps clients update their wills to reflect their current circumstances and intentions.

Our founding attorney, Attorney Conor McCarthy, brings more than 20 years of legal experience to estate planning and probate matters. You have direct access to him throughout the process. We explain your options in plain language before preparing documents so you can make informed decisions.

Call (844) 224-5029 to discuss the changes you want to make to your existing will.

When to Review an Existing Will

A significant life event is a good reason to confirm that your will still matches your goals. Depending on the scope of the changes, we may discuss a targeted codicil, a new will, or another appropriate estate-planning step. A codicil is a written document that modifies or partially revokes an earlier will.

Consider reviewing your will after:

Marriage or divorce
The birth or adoption of a child
A move to another state
The acquisition of property or other assets
Starting or acquiring a business
A substantial financial change
A change in family relationships

Under Washington law, a codicil doesn’t need to refer expressly to the earlier will or be physically attached to it. However, a later will or codicil can revoke all or part of an earlier document through explicit language or inconsistent instructions. We review the existing will and requested revisions together before recommending how to document the change.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from McCarthy Law Office, PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Our Process for Will Amendments in Tacoma

A change to one provision can affect other parts of your will or estate plan. We begin by identifying your goals and reviewing the relevant documents before explaining the available options.

Our will amendment process generally includes:

Initial consultation: We discuss your existing will, current circumstances, and intended changes.
Document preparation: We draft the appropriate documents based on the information shared during the consultation.
Client review: You review the draft, and we explain its legal terms and provisions in plain language.
Signing and witnessing: We arrange execution that follows Washington requirements for signatures and witnesses.

Estate-planning fees for wills and related work are generally based on hourly rates, although some matters may use a flat fee. Half of the cost is typically paid before work begins, with the balance due once the documents are signed. We explain the applicable fee structure before drafting starts.

Talk with Us About Updating Your Will

We offer free initial consultations so you can explain what has changed and discuss the next step. You’ll speak directly with Attorney Conor McCarthy about your existing will and estate-planning goals.

Schedule your free initial consultation with McCarthy Law Office, PLLC by calling (844) 224-5029 or using our contact form.

Washington Requirements for a Valid Codicil

A codicil must satisfy Washington’s execution requirements even if it changes only one provision. It must be in writing and signed by the testator, meaning the person whose will is being amended. Another person may sign at the testator’s direction and in the testator’s presence.

Important execution and revocation rules include:

Two witnesses are required: At least two competent witnesses must attest the document.
Handwriting alone isn’t enough: Washington doesn’t recognize an unwitnessed handwritten holographic will or codicil.
Notarization isn’t required: A will or codicil can be valid without notarization when the applicable signing and witness requirements are met.
A self-proving affidavit may help: This sworn statement can avoid the need to locate the witnesses later during probate.

Revoking a will in its entirety generally revokes its codicils as well, unless that result would conflict with the testator’s intent. Because multiple documents can create uncertainty or inconsistent terms, we examine the complete set rather than treating a requested amendment in isolation.

Beneficiary Designations & Nonprobate Assets

A will review doesn’t automatically update every part of an estate plan. Some assets pass through beneficiary designations or other nonprobate transfers, outside the instructions in a will. Examples include life insurance, retirement accounts, and accounts with payable-on-death designations.

Updating a will and reviewing beneficiary designations are separate tasks. After marriage, divorce, the arrival of a new child, or a major financial change, your estate-planning documents and asset designations may no longer align. A broader estate-planning review can identify what else deserves attention alongside the proposed amendment.

Continue Reading Read Less

Client Testimonials

We Treat Our Clients Like People, Not Numbers

“I was really grateful for the way they walked me through that process”
“They provided direction through the complexity of that situation”

- Jess B.
“He made my life less stressful, and a lot easier.”
“Conor McCarthey did an amazing job! He made my life less stressful, and a lot easier. If you need a lawyer, he's the man!”

- Mark M.
“I am very grateful”
“I had to find another lawyer to take on a probate case that had been already dragging on for about four years. Without a referral of any kind I tried calling in to a few offices, one of them being Conorâ€™s.”

- Brandon L.
“Our family highly recommends Conor for estate planning expertise!”
“Conor McCarthy recently drafted our estate planning documents. He also assisted my folks in updating their trust and related documents. Conor is friendly and easy to work with and his fees are very reasonable.”

- Diane W.
“We would definitely recommend McCarthy Law.”
“We had a great experience with McCarthy Law. Conner was invaluable in guiding us through every step of the process and worked diligently researching or case. We would definitely recommend McCarthy Law.
”

- Kevin C.
“Highly recommend!!”
“Nothing but excellent service from Conor and his staff at McCarthy Law. Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable in assisting myself in executing our families estate needs. Highly recommend!!
”

- Michael P.
“Very timely and nice group of people.”
“McCarthy Law helped update our will this fall. Very timely and nice group of people.”

- Jan N.
“Conor was great to work with!”
“Conor was great to work with! He listened to what I wanted and provided guidance without making me feel like I didn't know what I was doing. He communicated clearly, got things done right on schedule. I'll gladly work with him in the future if the need ari”

- Julia E.

View All Reviews

Contact Us Today

At McCarthy Law Office, PLLC, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from McCarthy Law Office, PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

You Are Cared For As a Person, Not a Number
Direct Access & Personal Relationship with Attorney
Nearly Two Decades of Experience
Offering Free Initial Consultations