Can you file a will with things scratched out?
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Can you file a will with things scratched out?
I have my fathers will that his wife filed in probate. There are some things on there that were not correct and supposedly my father scratched some things out in pen and initialed the ‘corrections’. Is the will still valid with those things done to it?
Asked on May 10, 2019 under Estate Planning, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
IF the changes were made BEFORE the will will was signed and witnessed, and the will with changes was properly signed and witnessed, it will be valid. IL recognizes fully handwritten (called "holographic," even though they have nothing to do with holograms) will if properly signed and witnessed, so a typed will with handwirtten changes that is properly signed and witnesses will also be valid.
However, not changes made after signing and witnessing will be valid. They will be ignored and the will as originally typed will be enforced.
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