Can I Make Handwritten Changes to a Will Without an Attorney
After creating a will, many people decide to update and change that will. Rather than taking the will to an attorney, some will attempt to update the will themselves. Depending on how the changes are made, the handwritten notes may or may not qualify as a valid testamentary disposition. This is more likely to occur if the handwritten changes are entirely in the will maker’s handwriting, and are signed, witnesses, notarized and dated.
It is important to know that any handwritten changes are ripe for challenge. If your beneficiaries challenge your handwritten notes within your will that are not witnessed and notarized, the cost of defending your will may deplete the funds in your estate. Further, it will take longer for your estate to be distributed among your beneficiaries.
If you would like to modify your will, the proper venue to do make a New Will or through a codicil. Please do not write on your existing will or codicil to make changes. A codicil is an additional formal legal document, added to the will, through which the will maker (also known as a “testator”) can make valid changes to his or her estate plan. The testator must execute the New Will or Codicil with the same formalities as were required for any will. This involves the signature of two witness and a notary. Like most matters concerning estate planning, it’s essential to understand the legal status of your plans and that you make sure your planning will work as you intend when it really counts.
PLANNING FOR AGING PARENTS DURING THIS PANDEMIC
By now, we've all heard the advice that to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S., we need to practice social distancing. The federal government is urging older people and those with serious underlying health conditions — like lung or heart conditions or a weakened immune system — to stay away from other people.
We have been receiving calls from individuals inquiring about a Power of Attorney for their parents during this pandemic to help them with bills and medical care. We can defiantly assist you with a Power of Attorney for your elderly parents. Please note that we will have to meet with the parent and understand their wishes before we can prepare their Power of Attorney.
�If the elderly parent already lacks the capacity to enter into a contract or make legal decisions, or if the parent does not understand the effect of the Power Of Attorney document, it is too late for the adult child to be named as their parent’s agent under a power of attorney. If the elderly parent lacks capacity and needs help handling his or her affairs, the adult child may need to become legal guardian.
With a Power of Attorney, the principal names an agent to act on the principal’s behalf in the event of incapacity. It enables the agent to handle the principal’s business and financial affairs. A Health Care Power of Attorney is a separate document that names an agent to act on behalf of the principal for medical decisions. The agent’s powers are very broad unless expressly limited by the documents. However, there is nothing preventing the principal himself from conducting business on his or her own.
If your loved one is interested in a Power Of Attorney, we would love to assist them and answer questions they may have. Contact our office at (256) 519-9970 to schedule an appointment. www.dotylawfirm.com
Step-Parent Adoption as
Your New Year’s Resolution
The New Year is a time to start fresh with a clean slate and with a list of goals to accomplish in the upcoming months. It’s also a time when people take a hard look on their lives and make decisions of about what you want your future to look like. For those who have taken a hard look at their family and determined that the future of their family is a top priority, a step parent adoption may be on your list of resolutions. We can guide you through this difficult yet exciting process.
A stepparent stepping up to the plate and assuming all of the legal rights and responsibilities of a biological parent is a great moment for a family and a great New Year’s Resolution.
We have high hopes for the upcoming year and especially for the world of adoption! We want to ensure that your adoption-focused resolution experience goes as painlessly as possible. Whether you are just getting started learning about adoption, or have been considering it for years, our firm is happy to answer any questions you may have. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us today by calling our office: 256-519-9970.
Frank Barger is with Sara Doty.
January 3 at 1:39 PM ·
The Friday before Christmas we had a very contentious hearing that began at 10am and went until after 3pm - it was supposed to end at Noon. The matter had been continued several times and the families involved needed resolution - so I pushed forward. This beautiful family was scheduled to see me for an adoption at 1pm. My Chief Clerk could have signed the adoption order on my behalf and kept them on schedule, but they asked to wait. And they waited for more than two hours in a courthouse hallway just to see me. They refused to let me apologize - they were so kind and generous. This 16 year-old young man was adopted by his stepfather and has plans to join the military after he finishes high school. It was a privilege to meet them and play a role to completely establish their family. #MadCoProbate #WorkingForYou #AdoptionRocks #ConsiderAdoption
ROCKETCITYNOW.COM
12 Strays of Christmas | WZDX
WZDX Huntsville
December 18, 2019 at 11:00 PM ·
The 12 Strays of Christmas at the Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS) are waiting for you to give them a forever home. Meet Rudolph, Chica, Hunter, Holly, and more. Huntsville Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Sara Doty Attorney at Law, LLC
WZDX Huntsville
December 18, 2019 at 11:00 PM ·
The 12 Strays of Christmas at the Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS) are waiting for you to give them a forever home. Meet Rudolph, Chica, Hunter, Holly, and more. Huntsville Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Sara Doty Attorney at Law, LLC