Will Amendments Plan. Protect. Prosper.

Will Amendment Attorney in Grand Rapids

Updating Your Will? We’ve Guided Grand Rapids Families Since 2006.

A will you signed years ago may no longer reflect your life today. When something changes, the question isn’t whether to update your estate plan. It’s how. Attorney John Inhulsen has guided Grand Rapids families through estate planning decisions since 2006, including helping clients who already have a will determine the right path for amending it.

Not sure whether your will needs updating, or whether a codicil makes sense for your situation? Call us at (616) 345-2810 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Two Ways to Amend a Will in Michigan

Michigan law recognizes two valid methods for changing an existing will. Understanding the difference helps you walk into that conversation prepared.

A codicil is a separate, formally executed document that modifies specific provisions in your existing will without replacing it. At probate, the court reads the original will and the codicil together as a single expression of your intent. A new will, drafted with an express revocation clause, supersedes all prior documents and starts fresh. Both require the same execution formalities under Michigan law, so neither is inherently faster or simpler to sign.

What differs is the drafting and the risk profile. A codicil works well for a single, clean administrative change. A new will is usually the better choice when there are multiple changes, when the original document is several years old, or when residuary beneficiaries or guardianship designations are involved.

Michigan’s Execution Requirements

Under MCL 700.2502, a valid codicil must be in writing and signed by you, the testator, with two witnesses signing within a reasonable time after witnessing your signature or acknowledgment. Verbal codicils carry no legal weight in Michigan.

One strongly recommended step: a self-proving affidavit under MCL 700.2504. When you and both witnesses sign this affidavit before a notary, it eliminates the need for witnesses to testify at probate and creates a presumption of proper execution. It’s a small step at signing that can help avoid complications later.

What doesn’t work: writing directly on your existing will. Crossing out provisions, adding margin notes, or initialing changes doesn’t constitute a valid amendment under Michigan law and may raise questions about the will’s overall validity. If your will needs to change, that change has to come through a properly executed document.

Talk to a Grand Rapids Will Amendment Lawyer

John Inhulsen has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers every year from 2013 through 2025 and by Best Lawyers in America from 2019 through 2024. That depth of recognition reflects years of focused estate planning work in West Michigan. Complimentary consultations are available by phone at (616) 345-2810 or through our online contact form.

Life Events That Signal It’s Time to Review Your Will

Michigan estate planning attorneys generally recommend reviewing your will every three to five years, even without a major change. Certain events, though, should prompt a review right away.

Common triggers include:

Marriage or divorce – Under MCL 700.2807, Michigan law automatically revokes provisions in favor of a former spouse after divorce and those made to the former spouse’s relatives, but the rest of your will stays in effect. That often leaves unintended gaps.
Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild – A new family member may not be provided for under your existing document.
Death of a named beneficiary or personal representative – Assets may go undirected, and your estate may lack a named administrator.
Significant change in assets – Acquiring real estate, selling a business, inheriting property, or a major shift in net worth can make prior distribution instructions outdated.
Change of mind about a named executor or guardian – The people you trusted years ago may not be the right choice today.
Relocation – Moving to or from Michigan may affect how your will interacts with Michigan’s probate requirements.

Codicil or New Will: How to Decide

There’s no universal answer. The right choice depends on what you’re changing, how old your existing will is, and whether relationship-based language in the original document creates risk under the republication doctrine.

The republication doctrine holds that a validly executed codicil republishes the underlying will as of the codicil’s date. That can silently alter how language like “the spouse of my brother” is interpreted if that relationship has since changed. A codicil written to update one thing can inadvertently shift the meaning of another. A new will with an express revocation clause avoids that issue and gives the probate court a single, clean document to work from.

Stacking multiple codicils on one will is strongly discouraged. Each additional codicil increases the chance of ambiguity and creates more surface area for a will contest. If you’ve already amended your will once with a codicil, a new will is generally the cleaner path for any further change.

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“I have been very impressed with Inhulsen law services. The knowledge and professionalism were invaluable. John explained everything clearly and kept me informed throughout the process. I was very pleased with the successful outcome and learned so much from him. I would highly recommend this place!”

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“If you are looking for an attorney who will truly help you build the life you deserve, then look no further Inhulsen Law. As an attorney who has the opportunity to collaborate with John, I can attest to his depth of knowledge as well as his commitment to excellence. Whether you need assistance with the complexities of business formation and planning or building and estate plan to protect the future of your family, John will apply a creative and honest approach that will make you instantly realize you made the right choice hiring Inhulsen Law.”

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“My wife and I had a very positive experience working with Inhulsen Law to update our Will and to put our assets into Living Trusts. The process is very thorough and they take a no-pressure approach to understanding your needs and will give you multiple options, explaining the benefits of each. They use a model where no question is a bad question and will break down what can seem like a complicated process into an easy to understand format. They take a very personal approach to getting to know you and your needs and we never felt rushed, pressured, or confused throughout the whole process. If you want an Attorney who values their clients seeking a long term relationship with you, you should work with Inhulsen Law.”

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“I had an excellent experience working with John on our estate planning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of our questions, and made what initially felt overwhelming into a smooth and stress-free process. We truly appreciated his attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to tailor the plan to our family’s specific needs. We now feel confident knowing everything is in order. We highly recommend John Inhulsen to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring estate planning attorney.”

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“I had John draw up my will and was so impressed with how knowledgeable and kind he and his staff were. The process was thoroughly explained and it is a huge relief to have things settled for my kids. I definitely recommend him and his services!”

- Heidi H.
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“Answer to prayer! My husband and I finally decided it was time to put a Trust and Will in place. It was unnerving to think about estate planning because we did not know who to talk to, where to start or what to expect. Thankfully, after searching the internet for a law firm, we discovered Inhulsen Law. We were more than impressed with the outstanding reviews! Setting up an appointment with John was simple and quick. The entire process was explained to us in an uncomplicated way. In our first meeting with John it was apparent to us that he has a genuine interest in building relationships with people and helping them obtain their goals. John's character is stellar and his knowledge of the law is extensive. It feels good to have a law firm you can trust and someone like John you can reach out to and feel confident he will point you in the right direction.”

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Why Grand Rapids Residents Work With Inhulsen Law on Will Amendments

Estate planning isn’t a transaction. If you worked with our firm on your original will, you can return to the same attorney, someone already familiar with your estate, your family, and your goals. That continuity matters when the change you’re making is sensitive or involves family dynamics that require careful drafting.

John Inhulsen brings a background in business litigation to every estate document he drafts, which means he reads for ambiguity, anticipates how language may be interpreted at probate, and flags risks clients might not spot on their own. He was named Grand Rapids GR Kids Best Attorney for Wills and Trusts in 2024, and our firm holds membership in WealthCounsel and recognition from the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC).

We don’t offer one-size answers. A client swapping a personal representative needs different counsel than a client navigating a post-divorce estate plan or a blended family situation. We evaluate your specific circumstances before recommending a codicil or a new will, and we explain the reasoning in plain language so you can make an informed decision.

Schedule a Complimentary Will Review in Grand Rapids

If your life has changed since you signed your will, don’t wait for probate to surface the problem. We serve Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan communities, and a consultation starts with your situation, not a template. There’s no pressure and no bad question.

Call (616) 345-2810 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your complimentary consultation with a Grand Rapids will amendment lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify My Will After It Has Been Signed?

Yes. As long as you have testamentary capacity, meaning you understand the nature of the document, the extent of your assets, and who your natural heirs are, you may amend your will at any time. You can do so by executing a properly witnessed codicil or by revoking the existing will and replacing it with a new one.

Is a Codicil Cheaper or Easier Than Writing a New Will?

The execution formalities are identical under Michigan law. Both require your signature and two witnesses. A codicil may involve shorter drafting for a single discrete change, but for multiple changes or an older will, a new document is generally the cleaner approach. The better question is which method produces the cleaner outcome at probate.

Can I Cross Out Parts of My Will or Write in Changes by Hand?

No. Alterations written directly on a signed will don’t constitute a valid amendment under Michigan law and may raise questions about the validity of surrounding provisions. Any change requires a separately executed document.

Does a Codicil Need to Be Notarized in Michigan?

Notarization isn’t strictly required, but a self-proving affidavit under MCL 700.2504, signed by you and both witnesses before a notary, eliminates the need for witnesses to testify at probate and is strongly recommended.

What Happens to My Will If I Get Divorced in Michigan?

Under MCL 700.2807, Michigan law automatically revokes provisions in favor of a former spouse upon divorce and also those made to the former spouse’s relatives, but the remaining provisions of your will stay operative. This often leaves unintended gaps or directs assets in ways you no longer intend, making a full review and update advisable after any divorce.

How Often Should I Review My Will?

Michigan estate planning attorneys generally recommend a review every three to five years and after any major life event. If you’re unsure whether your current will reflects your intentions, Inhulsen Law offers complimentary consultations to help you assess where things stand. Call (616) 345-2810 to get started.

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