What is the preferred method for executing changes to a will?

The preferred method for executing changes to a will is through written amendments that adhere to full formalities. This approach ensures that any modifications to the will are legally valid and enforceable. Wills typically must comply with specific requirements regarding their execution, including being in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by individuals who meet certain legal criteria.

Using a written amendment, often referred to as a codicil, allows for clear documentation of the testator's intentions and any changes made regarding the distribution of assets or other provisions. This formal documentation reduces the potential for disputes among beneficiaries and helps to uphold the testator’s wishes.

In contrast, options like oral agreements, verbal reassurances, or unknown informal notes do not meet the requisite formalities and, in most jurisdictions, would likely be deemed not legally binding. These informal methods increase the risk of misunderstandings or misinterpretations regarding what changes were intended, and they lack the evidentiary support required to confirm the testator's wishes in the event of a challenge to the will's validity.