If you have already done the necessary work of drafting a Will, it is important to remember to review it regularly. Most people seldom bother to review their Wills, causing them to pass up the chance to make any changes and ensure that the document is still an accurate reflection of their wishes. While it may seem easier to tuck your will away and forget about it once it is written, this strategy ignores the fact that circumstances change. Our lives are fluid and because of this, most legal experts recommend you review your will with your lawyer about every two to three years. A review should be done more often if there is a big change such as the birth of a child, marriage or divorce.

Fortunately, you don’t need to draft a whole new Will in order to make minor changes. You can add or remove a beneficiary, change the amount of someone’s bequest or replace an executor or guardian by having your attorney draft an amendment to your Will. Remember to consult your attorney when making these changes so that you can be sure they are drafted correctly and will not threaten the validity of your Will.

To learn more about New York elder law, visit LittmanKrooks.com.