How do I change the beneficiaries in a will?
In order to change the beneficiaries in a will in New Hampshire you must create a new or amended will. You need to ensure that the language in the new or amended will clearly states your wishes and is properly executed as required by New Hampshire law. There are several steps to changing the beneficiaries in a will. First, the will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) and witnessed by two other people. The witnesses must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind. The witnesses should not be beneficiaries of the will. Once the will is executed, it must be filed with the local probate court. The changes to the beneficiaries must be expressly stated in the new will, and the will must be properly executed in accordance with New Hampshire law. It is important to remember that revoking an existing will and replacing it with a new will has the effect of canceling any and all prior wills made by the testator. If you decide to amend rather than revoke the existing will, it is important to make sure that the two documents are consistent with each other. If a will is not properly executed and filed in the probate court, it can be invalidated and the original bequest could remain in effect. To ensure that the will is properly executed and the beneficiaries are changed as desired, it is best to work with an experienced will and probate lawyer.
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