QUESTION
Can a wife change a husband's will after he passes away?
Asked on Jul 10th, 2015 on Estate Planning - California
More details to this question:
My dad just recently passed away and my stepmom said she went and amended the will.
6 ANSWERS
Civil Litigation Attorney serving Ventura, CA
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The Law Office of Robert I. Long
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No, a will cannot be changed after the testator's death.
Answered on Jul 16th, 2015 at 6:30 PM
Definitely not! The only one who can amend a Will [codicil] is the person whose Will it is. Once they die, obviously no change in the Will is possible without a Court order stating that something was wrong with the Will.
Answered on Jul 13th, 2015 at 7:02 PM
Trusts Attorney serving Sacramento, CA
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Law Office of Victor Waid
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Cannot do that; in fact that action on the part of the wife may be a crime for altering the will; only the person who makes a will has a power to amend the will while alive.
Answered on Jul 13th, 2015 at 6:59 PM
Admiralty / Maritime Attorney serving Monrovia, CA
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The Law Office of Nathan Wagner
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No, she cannot do that. You should talk to a local probate attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Answered on Jul 13th, 2015 at 5:25 PM
Taxation Law Attorney serving Glendale, CA
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Irsfeld, Irsfeld & Younger LLP
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No, she can't.
Answered on Jul 13th, 2015 at 4:42 PM
No, that is fraud, forgery and probably a few other causes of action.
Answered on Jul 13th, 2015 at 3:52 PM