How do I change the beneficiaries in a will?

In Washington, changing beneficiaries in a will can be a complex process that should be done with the help of an experienced attorney. The exact process depends on the type of will, the terms of the will, and the number of beneficiaries involved in the change. If there is a living will, then it can be changed by signing a codicil, which is a written amendment to the will. This amendment should be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses and then notarized in order to be validly executed. It should be kept with the original will, and copies should be made to ensure that the changes have been properly documented. If a will has been properly probated, it requires the permission of the court to make any changes to the beneficiaries. The personal representative must file a formal petition with the court for an order amending the will. All interested parties must be notified of the request, and the court will consider their input before issuing an order. Whatever the circumstances, it is generally best to use the services of an experienced lawyer when making changes to a will. This will help to ensure that the changes are properly documented, that all interested parties are properly notified, and that the will complies with all necessary state and federal laws.

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