QUESTION
Would changing gender marker affect will?
Asked on Sep 15th, 2018 on Wills and Probate - Texas
More details to this question:
I'm transgender. I plan on getting a legal name change soon (which is how I found this site). I also hope to transition, though this will likely not happen for at least a few years (for reasons relating to certain family members and their opinions). While I have read that a legal name change won't affect a will that leaves something to your former name (as long as you keep the name change order to prove it's you), I don't know about gender markers. If I transition (to male) and my parents' will reads "I leave my daughters-" will that need to be changed?
1 ANSWER
2 Awards
While many executors and judges will look to your parents' intent, if the Wills do not specifically name the "daughters" some may cling to the word "daughters," disinheriting you. It should cost very little for an estate planning attorney to draw up a codicil (modification of a Will) changing the word "daughters" to "children." Look on it as a cheap insurance policy.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2018 at 5:04 AM
This is general information. It cannot substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. It is not intended to be legal advice or imply an attorney-client relationship.