Top Estate Planning & Probate Attorney Robert Brumfield Reveals Why Revoking A Will Requires More Than Just Setting it Alight – Bakersfield, CA

Top estate planning lawyer founder of the Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield, P.C., in Bakersfield, CA dispels the Hollywood myth of revoking a will by simply tearing it up and burning it. For more information please visit https://www.brumfieldlawgroup.com

Bakersfield, CA, California, United States – December 31, 2023 —

In dramatic Hollywood fashion, simply tearing up a will and throwing the pieces into a fire is not necessarily going to ‘burn bridges’ and help someone start afresh, said Robert Brumfield.

For more information please visit https://www.brumfieldlawgroup.com

The irony of that scenario is that there is more than likely to be copies of the original will hanging around in various places and safes.

So, it is better to stay calm and consult an estate planning attorney about revoking the existing will and making a new one.

“In my experience, many have made wills years ago that may not now be fit for purpose or reflect their current circumstances,” said Robert Brumfield.

These relate to births, deaths, and marriages throughout life, as well as second relationships that could have blended families. Not to mention the property and assets bought, held onto, and sold.

Brumfield said the best way to revoke a will is to create a new one that expressly revokes all previous wills to that date. The new will can then set out a person’s new wishes, including dual powers of attorney for health incapacity and on death, new beneficiaries and other guidance.

“Once that new will is live, then you can have that Hollywood moment of tearing up copies of old wills and burning them,” he said.

That advice is tempered somewhat as a copy of a will can, in some circumstances, be presented to a probate court to assert the credibility of an original will.

Brumfield said probate courts are generally unwilling to accept copies but can if there’s a substantiated good reason. Heirs can produce a copy of a will if they have evidence a sibling destroyed the original out of anger if they were disinherited or that the intention is to stop a parent’s wishes from being honored.

Brumfield said one of the best ways to stay on top of a will is to review it on a regular basis – every three to five years, for example.

“It is vital to reflect on your current circumstances and intentions,” he concluded. “A lawyer can advise on the best approach. Rather than create further confusion, which could potentially lead to litigation among family members, the best option could be to create a new will.”

Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz

Contact Info:
Name: Robert H Brumfield
Email: Send Email
Organization: Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield, P.C.
Address: 1810 Westwind Drive, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: 661-464-7770
Website: https://www.brumfieldlawgroup.com

Release ID: 89117019

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