Are new witnesses required?
2006-09-14 02:31:48 · 8 answers · asked by alberto 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Its probably a good idea. I don't think that the witnesses being passed matter, however, I would think you should since more than likely your life has changed some in 30 years, as most people's lives do.
2006-09-14 02:35:14 · answer #1 · answered by cyunos 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter if the witnesses are alive or not, but you should update anyway. Your finances and such have hopefully changed over the last 30 years, especially real estate holdings. Once you update, new witnesses will be needed. While you're at it, you should think about a living will too. If you don't want to be hooked up to machines if something happens to you, you should have your intentions clearly stated in a living will.
2006-09-14 09:41:16 · answer #2 · answered by Crazymom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MUST? Probably not
SHOULD, because your circumstances surely have changed in the past 30 years, definitely.
Tax laws have changes, your finances and family matters probably have changed - by all means get out the old will and read it carefully.
How about life insurance, pensions, and other survivors benefits? Have any of your beneficiaries changed?
I had a client once - her deceased husband never got around to changing the beneficiary of his life insurance and after 20+ years of marriage, the 2d wife got to see the first wife's heirs get the insurance settlement.
So, you really need to go over your will and insurance matters.
Also, let's face it, you are 30 years closer to meeting your Maker. Can't hurt to get the finances and property in order.
2006-09-14 09:48:40 · answer #3 · answered by John the Revelator 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether or not a witness is still alive is not pertinent to the validity of a will. If the will itself remains accurate as it stands, there is no need to update it.
2006-09-14 09:41:49 · answer #4 · answered by oracleguru 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably update your will anyway. Your life changes a thousand times during 30 years.
2006-09-14 09:39:36 · answer #5 · answered by Bluealt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your will is irrelevant; I had a family member with an old will and it was challenged in court. We lost TONS of money as a result.
Laws change without regard to old wills. Your will is almost certainly worthless.
You need a lawyer now to protect your assets from other lawyers. AN old will is an open invitation to abuse. Please don't burn your heirs (unless you hate them).
2006-09-14 12:23:41 · answer #6 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you change the will, you need new witnesses. If you don't want to change it, then no.
2006-09-14 09:39:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
30 years ago?? definitely!!
2006-09-14 09:40:54 · answer #8 · answered by lisa s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋