Determine if there are any existing amendments/codicils

Part of: Interview the Will Maker (if possible)

The person who had the will prepared might have made additional notes about how property is to be distributed after the initial creation of the will. It is important for the will writer to consult an attorney or the probate court to ensure these will be incorporated in the will or if a new will needs to be made to reflect the testator’s intentions.

If the notes are hand written, they will be legal in some states, but not in others. Also, if the will writer, for instance, would like her four children to each get 25% of the estate, but she wants her car to go to the youngest child, clarification as to whether or not the current market value of that car should go against that child’s 25% of the estate can be very helpful to prevent disputes between beneficiaries later in this process.

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