The starting point is that any alteration to a will after it has been signed is invalid and of no effect unless:
- the alternation is separately signed by the will-maker and properly witnessed; or
- the will is re-signed after the alterations are made and the changes are referred to where the will has been re-signed.
However, if part of the will has been obliterated so that the words cannot be read (as opposed to just being crossed out), this may be treated as the deceased having intended to revoke these passages of the will.
A will that contains invalid alterations may be validated under section 14 of the Wills Act to give effect to the alterations. Read about validation applications under section 14 of the Wills Act here.