Revocation of Last Will and Testament

A revocation of last will and testament is a formal legal document that explicitly cancels and nullifies a previously executed will. This important document ensures your previous will cannot be mistakenly enforced and clearly documents your intention to revoke prior estate planning arrangements.

What This Template Is For

This template provides a formal written declaration to revoke a previous will. It's designed for individuals who need to legally nullify an existing will due to major life changes, updated estate planning decisions, or the creation of a new will. The document creates a clear record of your revocation decision and helps prevent potential confusion or legal challenges after your passing.

When To Use This Template

Use this revocation template when:

Creating a new will to replace an existing one
Making significant changes to your estate plan
After major life events like marriage, divorce, or birth of children
When completely changing your beneficiary arrangements
If you want to rely on intestacy laws instead of a will

How To Customize It

Follow these steps to properly complete your will revocation:

Insert your full legal name and current address
Include the date of the will being revoked
Specify any identifying features of the will being revoked
Clearly state your intention to revoke
Sign the document in front of witnesses
Have witnesses sign and provide their information
Consider having the document notarized

Common Use Cases

The revocation template is commonly used in these situations:

Creating an entirely new estate plan
After divorce or marriage
When moving to a different state
Following the birth or adoption of children
Significant changes in assets or property

Best Practices

To ensure your will revocation is legally valid:

Be explicit about your intention to revoke
Use clear, unambiguous language
Follow state-specific witness requirements
Maintain copies in secure locations
Inform your executor of the revocation
Consider creating a new will simultaneously

Template Variations

Different versions of this template are available for:

Partial revocation of specific provisions
Revocation with simultaneous new will execution
Revocation by physical destruction documentation
Multiple will revocation scenarios

Success Stories

Our template has helped countless individuals properly revoke their wills, including:

A recently divorced individual ensuring clean break from previous estate plan
A new parent updating their entire estate planning strategy
A retiree simplifying their estate arrangements

Frequently Asked Questions

Does divorce automatically revoke a will?

In most states, divorce doesn't automatically revoke an entire will, but it typically revokes provisions relating to the former spouse.

Can I revoke my will without creating a new one?

Yes, you can revoke a will without creating a new one, but this means your estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws.

Do I need witnesses for a will revocation?

Yes, most states require the same witness requirements for revoking a will as for creating one.

Can I partially revoke my will?

Yes, you can revoke specific provisions through a codicil while keeping other parts intact.

Should I notify anyone after revoking my will?

It's advisable to inform your executor, beneficiaries, and attorney of the revocation.