Online Wills & Holistic Legacy Preservation

Methods for Updating Your Will: Understanding Your Options

There are several approaches to updating your will, each with its own advantages and considerations:

1. Creating an Entirely New Will

For substantial changes, creating a completely new will is often the cleanest approach.

Advantages:

• Eliminates confusion between multiple documents
• Addresses all changes comprehensively
• Incorporates current legal standards and language
• Opportunity to utilize modern digital will platforms

Process:

1. Create a new will document through an online will maker or solicitor
2. Include language that explicitly revokes all previous wills
3. Execute according to your jurisdiction's requirements
4. Destroy previous will versions to prevent confusion

This approach is particularly beneficial when using online will platforms that make the process of creating a new will efficient and cost-effective.

2. Adding a Codicil

A codicil is a separate document that amends specific provisions of your existing will while leaving the rest intact.

Advantages:

• Generally simpler and less expensive than creating an entirely new will
• Addresses specific changes without disturbing the entire document
• May be appropriate for minor modifications

Process:

1. Draft a document clearly identifying the original will by date
2. Specify exactly which provisions are being changed or added
3. Execute with the same formalities required for a will in your jurisdiction
4. Store with the original will

Codicils were more common before digital estate planning made creating new wills so straightforward. Today, they're typically used only for very minor changes.

3. Digital Amendment Services

Modern online will services often provide streamlined amendment processes for wills created through their platforms.

Advantages:

• Convenient and often more affordable
• Creates a clean revision history
• Ensures proper execution
• Includes secure will storage options

Process:

1. Log into your account with the online service
2. Make desired changes through guided interfaces
3. Generate a new document that incorporates all changes
4. Follow service instructions for proper execution
5. Utilize platform's digital legacy vault for storage

Execution Requirements: Making Your Updates Legally Valid

Simply writing down changes to your will isn't sufficient—proper execution is essential for legal validity. Requirements vary slightly between countries and even between states/territories:

United States Execution Requirements

In most U.S. states:

• The will must be in writing
• Signed by the testator (you)
• Witnessed by at least two adults who aren't beneficiaries
• Some states require witnesses to be present simultaneously
• Some states recognize holographic (handwritten) wills

For digital will solutions, most still require physical printing and signing to meet legal requirements, though some states are beginning to recognize electronic wills.

United Kingdom Execution Requirements

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

• The will must be in writing
• Signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses
• Both witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator
• Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries

Scotland has similar but slightly different requirements, particularly regarding the number of witnesses.

Australia Execution Requirements

Requirements in Australia generally include:

• The will must be in writing
• Signed by the testator
• Witnessed by at least two people who aren't beneficiaries
• Witnesses must be present when the testator signs
• Specific requirements may vary by state or territory

Regardless of location, improper execution is one of the most common reasons wills are invalidated, so following these requirements precisely is crucial.

Secure Storage Solutions for Your Updated Will

After creating or updating your will, secure storage becomes equally important. Lost or damaged wills can create significant complications for your loved ones.

Traditional Storage Options

1. Solicitor/Attorney Storage

Many legal professionals offer will storage as part of their services.

Pros:

• Professional management
• Fireproof storage
• Continuity if you become incapacitated

Cons:

• May charge annual fees
• Access limited to business hours
• Potential complications if the firm closes

2. Probate Registry/Court Storage

In the UK, the Probate Service offers will storage for a fee. Similar official repositories exist in some U.S. states and Australian territories.

Pros:

• Official government protection
• Nominal fees
• Institutional permanence

Cons:

• Limited access
• Not available in all jurisdictions
• May require formal procedures for retrieval

3. Bank Safe Deposit Box

Many people store wills in bank safe deposit boxes.

Pros:

• Physical security
• Protection from damage
• Privacy

Cons:

• Access complications after death
• Ongoing rental fees
• Limited access hours

Digital Storage Solutions: The Modern Approach

Digital legacy vaults and online family vaults offer significant advantages over traditional storage methods:

1. Secure Cloud Storage

Services like Evaheld Legacy Vault provide encrypted storage specifically designed for estate documents.

Pros:

• 24/7 accessibility from anywhere
• Advanced encryption protection
• Controlled access for designated individuals
• Backup and redundancy features
• Integration with broader digital estate planning

Cons:

• Requires digital literacy
• Depends on service longevity
• May require subscription fees

2. Hybrid Approaches

Many people adopt a combination of physical and digital storage:

• Original physical documents in secure location
• Digital scans in digital legacy vault
• Key information shared with executor

This balanced approach provides both legal original documents and convenient digital access.