The question of how to properly revoke a Will necessitates careful consideration to ensure a seamless process. While the straightforward response is to shred both the original Will and all its copies, it’s crucial to bear in mind that the revocation should be accompanied by a replacement. It’s unwise to assume that an outdated version of the document will remain accessible or that the original copy still persists.
My recommendation strongly leans toward promptly replacing the old Will with a new one and subsequently disposing of the original. Swiftly implementing the replacement will safeguard against potential complications. If you die without possessing the original Will to present to the Orphans’ Court, the Pennsylvania Intestate Law will come into play. This law essentially functions as the government’s set of regulations dictating the distribution of your estate. While this blog post refrains from delving into the related intricacies, which we have covered extensively previously, it should serve to remind you of the existence of a governmental framework that will become involved, if necessary. In the absence of a valid Will, this framework gains authority, underscoring the necessity of having a well-structured Will in place at the time of your death.
Upon confirming the preparation of a new Will to supplant the old one, you can confidently destroy the originals of the outdated document, secure in the knowledge that the new document’s provisions will take precedence. We advise refraining from annotating documents with handwritten notes. It is advisable to preserve the new original that you intend to present to the Court in its pristine, unaltered state, mirroring its condition when initially drafted. This practice ensures the document’s authenticity and reinforces its legitimacy in legal proceedings.
