Will Amendment Attorney in Kalamazoo

Update Your Will with Confidence in Kalamazoo

Life rarely stands still. When your circumstances change—whether you get married, welcome a child, move to a new home, or celebrate another milestone—updating your will ensures your intentions remain clear and enforceable. 

At Willis Law, we help individuals and families throughout Kalamazoo review and revise estate documents so their plans always align with their current needs. Working with a will amendment lawyer in Kalamazoo gives you the advantage of local legal knowledge and reduces the risk of invalid changes. 

To review your existing estate plan and discuss a necessary Codicil, call a focused will amendment attorney in Kalamazoo at (888) 461-7744 or reach out online for a free consultation and 24/7 availability.

Michigan Requirements for a Valid Will Amendment (Codicil)

In Michigan, an amendment to a will is known as a Codicil. Crucially, the Codicil must be executed with the exact same legal formalities as the original will to be considered valid (MCL 700.2502). 

Failure to adhere to these rules can lead to the amendment being challenged and your estate assets being distributed according to Michigan's intestacy laws, not your intentions. Our will amendment lawyers in Kalamazoo ensure your estate plan remains up to date and protects your wishes. 

Formalities Required for Execution

To be legally valid in Kalamazoo County and across Michigan, a will amendment attorney in Kalamazoo must ensure the Codicil:

• Must be in Writing: The Codicil must clearly detail the specific changes being made. Oral or unwitnessed changes are void.
• Must Be Signed: It must be signed by the person making the amendment (the testator).
• Must Be Witnessed: It must be signed by at least two credible witnesses. These witnesses must sign within a reasonable time after they either witnessed the testator sign the document or heard the testator acknowledge their signature or the document itself.

Our firm meticulously oversees the signing and witnessing ceremony to create a clear, legally sound paper trail, protecting the Codicil from challenges based on fraud, duress, or improper execution.

When a Will Amendment is Necessary

A will is a snapshot of your wishes at a single point in time. Because life is fluid, the document must be updated to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. We frequently assist clients with amendments following significant life changes, including:

• Changes in Family Status: Marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a spouse or family member.
• Changes to Assets: Acquiring new, valuable property (like real estate or significant financial accounts) or selling assets explicitly named in the original will.
• Updating Fiduciaries: Naming a new Personal Representative (Executor) or Trustee because the original person has become ill, moved away, or passed away.
• Disinheritance: Clearly stating the intent to remove a specific individual from receiving an inheritance. This must be handled with precision to prevent a future will contest.

Without a formal will amendment, the Kalamazoo County Probate Court may be forced to make assumptions that contradict your true intent, potentially excluding a loved one or sending assets to an unintended recipient.

Amending vs. Creating a New Will

A common question our firm receives is whether to draft a Codicil or start completely fresh with a new will. While a will amendment is convenient, it is often not the best choice, especially if the changes are extensive.

• When a Codicil is Advisable: A Codicil is typically used for minor, clean changes (e.g., swapping one personal item beneficiary for another, or updating a Personal Representative's address). It maintains the date and validity of the original document while minimizing effort.
• When a New Will is Required: If you are making numerous changes, adding complex trusts, or specifically revoking large portions of the original document, drafting a new will is strongly recommended. The new will must contain language that explicitly revokes all prior wills and codicils to prevent confusion and ambiguity during probate. Multiple codicils or confusing, cross-referenced changes dramatically increase the risk of a legal challenge.

Our experienced will amendment attorney in Kalamazoo will analyze the scope of your desired changes and advise on the safest, most enforceable path forward.

Why Choose Our Kalamazoo Will Amendment Lawyers

Selecting a will amendment attorney in Kalamazoo means finding a partner who values your peace of mind and delivers service with integrity. We serve clients from Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Paw Paw, combining local convenience with legal know-how. 

Our fixed-priced legal services remove the pressure of hourly billing, so you never worry about hidden fees. Free consultations and discounted rates for students, seniors, and military members underscore our commitment to accessibility.

Our approach to will amendments focuses on clear communication, transparency, and attention to every detail. We explain your options before any work begins, keeping you informed along the way. Because our attorneys live and work in West Michigan, we bring insights into Kalamazoo courts and community values that others miss.

Our Streamlined Process for Will Amendments in Kalamazoo

We begin by learning about your goals and family needs, then tailor our recommendations to fit your situation. Open, honest communication defines every step we take together. 

Here’s what you can expect when you choose our Kalamazoo will amendment lawyers:

• Listening comes first: We discuss your reasons for amending your will and any concerns you may have.
• Explaining your options: We outline the approaches available for making changes, such as adding a codicil or drafting an entirely new will.
• Clear, fixed pricing: All costs are presented up front, with no hourly billing surprises.
• Simple document review: We review your current will to spot any issues or outdated language.
• Local court knowledge: We advise you with insight into how documents are handled in Kalamazoo’s courts, helping ensure your amendments are valid under Michigan law.

Contact a Kalamazoo Will Amendment Attorney Today

We proudly serve Southwest Michigan clients and make estate planning approachable. From the first conversation to finalizing your documents, you will receive caring service guided by transparent pricing and strong client relationships. Let us help you move forward with confidence and clarity for your future.

Call (888) 461-7744 or reach out online to schedule your consultation today.