If you are someone aged 55 to 64 in Florida who has made out a will, you have taken an important step to protect your family from financial hardship in the event of your death. According to Forbes magazine, you are also in the minority; 51% of your peers across the United States do not have a will.
However, while making out a will is important, it is not the only necessary step. Over time, your situation may change, both financially and personally. It is, therefore, a good idea to review your will on a periodic basis to ensure that it is still consistent with your current requirements and goals. If it is not, you can revise it so that it is up to date, reflecting the realities of your current situation.
Major life changes, both positive and negative, can warrant a revision of your will. While you may wish to revise your will on a regular schedule, it is also a good idea to take a look after one of the following significant events.
1. Birth or adoption of a child
Whether it be a child of your own or a grandchild, you likely want him or her to inherit in the event of your death. If you still have minor children at home, a will is essential to appoint a guardian in addition to granting bequests.
2. Marriage or divorce
Your will does not automatically update when your marital status changes. Therefore, whether you get married, divorced or remarried, you must update your will to include your current spouse and/or exclude your former spouse.
3. Relocation to another state
The laws that govern what makes a will valid vary from state to state, meaning that a relocation may require a revision of your will to reflect the laws of your new state of residence. For example, if you initially wrote your will while residing in another state and then relocated to Florida, you would need to review your will to ensure that it is compliant with the applicable state laws.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.
