Why is it important to republish a will in the event of handwritten changes?

Republishing a will is crucial when there have been handwritten changes because, in general, for a will to be considered valid, it must be executed following specific legal formalities which often include the proper signing and witnessing. If the testator makes handwritten changes, those modifications may not meet the formal requirements set forth by the law unless the will is republished. Republishing ensures that the will reflects the testator's most current intentions and conforms to the necessary legal standards.

In situations where changes are made but the will is not republished, there can be uncertainty about whether those changes are valid. This can lead to complications, especially if the original will’s intent is called into question. By republishing, the testator's revisions are ratified and solidified legally, thus reducing the likelihood of disputes about what the testator intended. It safeguards the will from challenges that might arise due to improper alteration methods, thereby honoring the testator's actual desires.

Moreover, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of why the process of republishing is so important. While it is true that all changes must meet certain legal requirements to be considered valid, the emphasis on avoiding legal disputes over intent highlights a more comprehensive understanding of the reasoning behind republishing a