What must happen for handwritten changes to a will to be deemed valid in Georgia?

For handwritten changes to a will to be deemed valid in Georgia, they must be republished by a codicil or re-executed. This means that if the original will is altered in a way that changes its substantive terms, the changes need to be formally acknowledged through a codicil or through a new execution of the will. This ensures that the testator’s intentions are clear and that the will meets the legal requirements for validity after any modifications.

In Georgia, to maintain the integrity and authenticity of testamentary documents, any substantial changes made by handwriting that could potentially invalidate the original document require a formal process. Republishing allows for the modifications to be recognized under the law, effectively reaffirming the testator’s wishes.

The other options suggest different requirements that do not align with Georgia law regarding wills. Notarization, verbal confirmations, or obtaining new signatures from witnesses do not sufficiently address the need for formal acknowledgment of handwritten changes. Therefore, the necessity of either preparing a codicil or fully re-executing the will is crucial for ensuring the modified document remains valid.