Can I change the beneficiaries of my will after I die?

In Virginia, you generally cannot change the beneficiaries of your will after you die. This is because, once you have passed away, your will is legally in effect and the beneficiaries you named in it have the right to the assets you designated for them. However, depending on the situation, it might still be possible to make changes after your death. If a Virginia court finds that there has been a mistake in interpreting or writing your will, it could order changes to the will and its beneficiaries. Additionally, if a court finds that the changes are necessary to avoid fraud, injustice, or mistake, they might order the changes. It is also possible to change a beneficiary even after you have died, if the original beneficiary has passed away before you. If the original beneficiary dies after you, however, their estate will be the one to receive the assets named in your will. In short, you cannot technically change the beneficiaries of your will after you die, but there may be instances in which the court will allow changes. It is important to discuss your will with an experienced attorney who can help you create a will that meets all your needs.

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