---
type: Concept
title: Updating an Old Will in Missouri
description: When and how to update a Missouri will, using a codicil or a full rewrite.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/updating-an-old-will-in-kirksville-what-really-matters/
tags: [wills, updating-a-will, codicil, life-changes, missouri]
timestamp: 2026-06-22
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary
An old will rarely keeps up with a changing life. Marriage, divorce, new children, deaths among the people you named, big financial shifts, and changes in how your accounts are titled all call for a review. Missouri gives you two tools: a codicil for narrow changes, or a full rewrite that revokes the old will. Either way, the update carries the same signing formalities as a new will.

# Quotable Q&A
**Q: When should I update my will in Missouri?**
A: After any major life change: marriage or divorce, a new child or grandchild, the death or incapacity of someone you named, a significant financial shift, or a change in how your assets are titled. Missouri does not force a schedule, but if it has been five years, take another look.

**Q: What is the difference between a codicil and a new will?**
A: A codicil amends an existing will for single issues, like swapping an executor or adding a gift, and it works when the underlying will is clear and recent. A full rewrite revokes the old will and makes sense for broad or fundamental changes. Both require two disinterested witnesses, just like the original.

**Q: Can I just cross out or write changes on my old will?**
A: No. Missouri courts ignore informal notations and handwritten changes in the margins. Real changes require a codicil or a new will with all the formalities. Scratch-outs only cause fights and delay.

# What Triggers a Review
The firm lists the events that should force a look at the old document: marriage or divorce, where statutory rules can clash with your actual intent; new children or grandchildren, including adoption and stepchildren; the death or incapacity of an executor, guardian, or main beneficiary; major financial shifts such as selling property or receiving an inheritance; changes to asset titles like adding POD or TOD designations or moving property into a trust; shifting relationships; and evolving charitable intent. Even without a triggering event, five years is reason enough to revisit.

# Missouri-Specific Traps
Missouri gives spouses an elective share claim no matter what the will says, so a boilerplate will sets off conflict in remarriages and blended families. Some property passes straight to named beneficiaries, including POD and TOD accounts, life insurance, and transfer-on-death deeds, and if those forms contradict the will, the titling wins. Coordinate the beneficiary forms when you update the will. When you rewrite, state that all prior wills and codicils are revoked, physically destroy old versions, and mark any surviving copies as revoked so the family does not argue over leftovers.

# Decision rule
If the change is narrow and the existing will is recent and clear, then a codicil is efficient. If the changes are broad, the will is old, or codicils are stacking into contradiction, then revoke and rewrite.

# Related
- [Wills and Will Requirements](/okf/estate-planning/wills.md)
- [Missouri Will Requirements](/okf/wills-execution/will-requirements.md)
- [How to Make a Will in Missouri](/okf/wills-execution/how-to-make-a-will.md)
- [Keeping Your Will Safe](/okf/wills-execution/keep-will-safe.md)
- [Estate Planning Overview](/okf/estate-planning/overview.md)
- [RSMo Chapter 474 (Wills)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-474-wills.md)
- [About Nolan Law Firm](/okf/firm.md)