When a Will Amendment Becomes Necessary

A will amendment modifies, adds to, or revokes specific provisions of an existing will while leaving the remainder intact. Rather than starting over, the right amendment preserves what still applies and corrects what doesn’t.

Common reasons Las Vegas residents revisit an existing will include:

• Marriage or divorce: Changes in marital status can affect how assets pass under Nevada law
• Birth or adoption of a child: A new family member may need to be named as a beneficiary
• Death of a named beneficiary or executor: Outdated designations create uncertainty in probate
• Significant asset changes: Acquiring or selling real estate, a business interest, or other substantial property
• Relocation to Nevada: Nevada is a community property state; a will drafted under a common law property state’s rules may not correctly account for how Nevada classifies marital assets

An outdated will that no longer reflects your circumstances can produce disputed proceedings before the Clark County Probate Court, drawing out the process and creating unnecessary cost and conflict for your family.

Codicil or New Will: Choosing the Right Approach Under Nevada Law

Nevada law offers two primary methods for amending a will, and the right choice depends on how much is changing.

Codicil

A codicil is a formal addition to an existing will that modifies or revokes specific provisions. Under Nevada law, a codicil must meet the same execution requirements as a witnessed will: it must be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested by at least two competent witnesses. It works well for targeted changes, such as updating a beneficiary name, replacing an executor, or adding a single bequest.

One practical caution: a codicil is a separate document, which means it can be misplaced or inadvertently omitted when the original will is submitted to probate. Multiple codicils layered over time can also introduce ambiguity about which provision controls.

New Will

When changes are extensive, when several codicils already exist, or when significant asset restructuring is involved, drafting a new will is usually the cleaner path. A new will revokes prior documents entirely and consolidates your current intentions in a single instrument. Nevada also recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills, but handwritten amendments carry a heightened risk of interpretation disputes in probate and aren’t advisable.

During a consultation, our attorneys can assess whether a codicil, a new will, or a broader estate plan review fits your situation.

Amendments Involving Business Interests, Real Estate, & Out-of-State Assets

Many Las Vegas residents hold assets that go beyond a simple list of personal property: business ownership interests, Nevada real estate, investment accounts, or assets in multiple states. An amendment that touches those holdings requires attorneys who understand how estate planning documents interact with business structures and property law.

Our team brings that depth. Russell Bowler has been licensed in Nevada since 1998 and in Arizona since 2004, is an Order of the Coif member, and served as an adjunct professor of business law at UNLV’s College of Business. He also holds a CPA credential, currently on inactive status in Colorado. Travis Twitchell has been licensed in Nevada since 2002 and has been peer-reviewed by Martindale-Hubbell. Together with Christopher Harris, licensed in Nevada since 2012, our team has been serving clients since 2000.

For clients who have moved to Nevada with a will drafted elsewhere, Nevada generally recognizes a will that was valid in the state where it was created. Even so, Nevada’s community property rules and favorable trust statutes can make a review, and sometimes an amendment, worthwhile.

Why Las Vegas Clients Work with Bowler Twitchell, LLP

Prompt communication is a commitment we take seriously. When you have a question about your will or your estate plan, you shouldn’t have to wait days for a response. Our practice is built around staying accessible and keeping clients informed at every stage.

Our team’s credentials reflect consistent peer recognition across decades of Nevada practice:

• Travis Twitchell selected to Super Lawyers 2017 through 2025 and to Rising Stars in 2009 and 2011 through 2014
• Christopher Harris selected to Rising Stars 2021 through 2022
• Travis Twitchell named to Legal Elite by Nevada Business Magazine in 2021
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
• Bilingual Spanish services available

Schedule a Free Consultation About Your Will

If you’re unsure whether your existing will still does what you intended, a conversation with our team is the right first step. We offer free initial consultations to Las Vegas and Nevada clients, with no obligation to proceed. Whether your situation calls for a straightforward codicil or a full estate plan review, we can give you a clear picture of your options.

Contact Bowler Twitchell, LLP at (702) 703-6998 to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients throughout Las Vegas and Nevada, and Spanish-language assistance is available.