As life circumstances change, it’s essential to keep your estate plan up to date. For Muslims who have created a MyWassiyah will, this means periodically reviewing and, if necessary, revising the document to reflect any significant changes in their lives. In this article, we’ll explore the process of editing and revising an existing MyWassiyah will, the importance of accessing the most current version of your completed will, and crucial considerations to keep in mind when making changes to your estate plan.

The Process of Editing and Revising a MyWassiyah Will

MyWassiyah is committed to providing a user-friendly and efficient platform for creating and maintaining Shariah-compliant wills. When you need to make changes to your existing MyWassiyah will, the process is straightforward but requires the purchase of a new will. This is because MyWassiyah generates a unique will each time you complete the online interview process.

To begin the revision process, log in to your MyWassiyah account and start a new online interview. As you progress through the interview, you’ll have the opportunity to update your personal information, assets, beneficiaries, and any other aspects of your estate plan that require modification. It’s crucial to approach this process with the same level of care and attention to detail as you did when creating your original will, as the new document will supersede any previous versions.

Once you’ve completed the online interview and made the necessary changes, you’ll need to purchase the new will. While it may seem inconvenient to pay for a new document each time you need to make revisions, this process ensures that your will remains legally valid and reflects your most current wishes. It also helps to prevent confusion and potential disputes among your beneficiaries by ensuring that there is only one active version of your will at any given time.

Accessing Your Completed Will

After completing the online interview and purchasing your revised will, you’ll be able to access the new document instantly through your MyWassiyah account portal. This feature allows you to review, download, and print your updated will at any time, ensuring that you always have access to the most current version of your estate plan.

It’s essential to keep in mind that the version of your will available through your account portal is the only valid version. Any previously printed or downloaded copies of your will should be destroyed to avoid confusion and potential conflicts. By maintaining access to your completed will through your MyWassiyah account, you can ensure that your beneficiaries and personal representatives have access to the correct document when the time comes.

Important Considerations When Revising Your Will

1. Do not alter your printed and signed will

Once you’ve printed and signed your MyWassiyah will, it’s crucial that you do not make any handwritten changes or alterations to the document. Doing so may invalidate your will and create confusion or disputes among your beneficiaries. If you need to make changes to your will, you must complete the online interview process and purchase a new document through your MyWassiyah account.

2. A new will revokes all prior wills

When you create a revised will through MyWassiyah, it automatically revokes any previous versions of your will. This means that the new document becomes the sole legally binding version of your estate plan. It’s important to communicate this to your beneficiaries and personal representatives to ensure that everyone is aware of the most current version of your will.

3. Destroy old versions of your will

To minimize the risk of confusion or disputes, it’s crucial to destroy any old versions of your will once you’ve created a new one. This includes any printed copies, as well as any digital files you may have saved on your computer or other devices. By eliminating outdated versions of your will, you can ensure that your beneficiaries and personal representatives are working with the most accurate and up-to-date document.

When to Consider Revising Your Will

There are several life events and circumstances that may necessitate revising your MyWassiyah will. Some of the most common reasons to update your estate plan include:

1. Changes in marital status

If you get married, divorced, or experience the death of a spouse, it’s essential to update your will to reflect your new marital status and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your current wishes.

2. Birth or adoption of children

When you welcome a new child into your family, whether through birth or adoption, updating your will allows you to ensure that your child is included in your estate plan and that provisions are made for their care and well-being.

3. Changes in assets or financial situation

As your financial situation evolves over time, it’s important to review your will and make any necessary updates to reflect your current assets and liabilities. This may include adding or removing specific assets, updating beneficiary designations, or adjusting the distribution of your estate to reflect your current wishes.

4. Changes in personal relationships

If your relationships with family members, friends, or other beneficiaries change over time, you may wish to update your will to reflect these changes. This could involve adding or removing beneficiaries, adjusting the distribution of your assets, or updating your choice of personal representatives.

5. Changes in tax laws or estate planning strategies

As tax laws and estate planning strategies evolve, it may become necessary to revise your will to take advantage of new opportunities or to ensure that your plan remains compliant with current regulations. Working with a qualified Islamic estate planning attorney can help you stay informed about any changes that may impact your estate plan.

Conclusion

Revising your MyWassiyah will is an essential part of maintaining a comprehensive and up-to-date estate plan. By understanding the process of editing and revising your will, the importance of accessing your completed document through your account portal, and the key considerations to keep in mind when making changes, you can ensure that your legacy remains protected and your wishes are carried out in accordance with Islamic principles.

Remember, the process of revising your will requires completing a new online interview and purchasing an updated document. This ensures that your will remains legally valid and reflects your most current wishes. By destroying any old versions of your will and communicating the changes to your beneficiaries and personal representatives, you can minimize the risk of confusion or disputes and ensure that your estate is distributed according to your desires.

Regularly reviewing and updating your MyWassiyah will is an act of love and responsibility towards your family and community. By taking the time to ensure that your estate plan remains current and comprehensive, you can provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, knowing that your legacy will be protected and your wishes will be honored in accordance with your Islamic faith.