How to Change a Beneficiary's Last Name

See your lawyer to make any changes to your will.

When you write a will, you take into account the people in your life. You name beneficiaries who will receive parts of your estate. As your life continues, however, you may need to change your will to change its provisions. Even small discrepancies can make a big difference when your estate is being settled, so if a beneficiary undergoes a name change for any reason, you should get your will amended.

Instructions

1. Contact your lawyer and set up a meeting to have your will amended.

2. Attend the meeting with a list of changes you want to make.

3. Explain the changes to your lawyer, who will amend the will in front of you. An amendment to a will is called a codicil.

4. Be sure that the codicil is dated. It won't be considered legal if the date that the changes took place isn't noted.

5. Sign the will, have your lawyer sign the will, and have a witness sign the will.

6. Deliver copies of the amended will to each place you store your will. Your will should be left in several places: with a lawyer, at your home and with someone you trust to carry out your wishes.

References

• American Bar Association: Changing, Adding to, Revoking Your Will or Trust
• MyLawyer: Changing or Revoking Your Will