Can a will be amended or modified after it is signed?

Yes, a will can be amended or modified after it is signed in New Mexico. This is true even if the will has already been submitted for probate. An amendment to a will is referred to as a codicil, and it must be witnessed and signed in the same manner as the original will. A codicil can be used to make minor changes or modifications to a will, such as changing the names or amounts of beneficiaries or adding new provisions. It can also revoke or clear some of the terms of the original will. Any changes made through a codicil must be in compliance with state laws. In order for a codicil to be valid, it must be signed, dated, and witnessed in the same manner as the original will. The witnesses must also sign statements confirming that the testator (the person making the will) was of sound mind and memory when they signed the codicil. Additionally, the codicil must be attached to the original will. In New Mexico, a codicil should be notarized to be valid. However, an experienced estate planning lawyer should be consulted before creating a codicil to ensure that it complies with all of the state’s laws and requirements.

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