Last Will In Virginia

By Author: Carl Glendon
Total Articles: 67
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Does Marriage Automatically Affect an Existing Last Will in Virginia?

It is very important for a person to write his or her will to ensure that all the property and assets can easily transferred to the legal heir. There are no legal complications in transfer of property once the will is made after the death of a person. A last will and testament in Virginia is a legal document that affirms what are the person assets and how the same shall be distributed after they die. It also gives the name of an executor and guardians for minor children.

Key Functions of a Virginia Will

Asset Distribution: There is details and clarity of who inherits real estate, bank accounts, and personal property.
Executor Appointment: A person who will manage the estate and carry out final wishes is mentioned and appointed.
Guardianship: A person who guard minor children.
Special Instructions: The details about the specific funeral arrangements and charitable donations are mentioned.

The will details ...
... and terms go well when the person does not add any new member in his life. But there are some changes when a person adds people to its life. If a person has experienced a significant life change such a marriage, child birth or divorce, or purchase of new assets, the old will may not be useful. Some people even think whether it is still valid? Whether new will is required to be made or update is needed in the existing one?

Many people face these questions. The major one is the marriage when new member is added.

Whether Marriage Automatically Affect an Existing Last Will in Virginia?

In Virginia, when a person gets married, there is no change in the existing last will and testament unless update is done. There is no automatically revoke.

How Marriage Affects an Existing Will in Virginia

No Automatic Update: There is no change in the present will and its terms. getting married does not automatically add new spouse into an old will. It is completely different from that of divorce case.

Prior Intentions Remain: If a person does not make any changes after getting married, the will intend will be same and the property and assets will be distributed as per the single status will. The spouse might be left with the provision a person intend.

The Elective Share Exception: Although there is no automatic change in the will when a person gets married, there are some exceptions to it. Virginia is an "elective share" state and surviving spouse has a statutory right to claim a specific percentage of the property. This is guided by the duration of marriage and children they have. However, forcing a spouse for having is share often leads to costly legal disputes and family conflict.

It is recommended to every person to review and revise the will after getting married to ensure the spouse is properly accounted for.

Author Bio:-

Carl often writes about legal drafting, legal documents, legal forms, and legal agreements to help people who need them. You can find his thoughts at legal documents blog.