Will Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Will, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Will?

(n) A will is a written document executed by a person detailing his wishes how his estate to be dealt after his death. In order to be legally enforceable, it must be executed with a free consent with out any external influences. A will can be cancelled or replaced by another will by the person during his life

History and Meaning of Will

A will is a legal document created by an individual to communicate their wishes about how their assets should be distributed and handled after their death. The practice of creating wills dates back to ancient Rome, where soldiers would leave instructions for the division of their property in the event of their death. Today, wills are a crucial part of estate planning and ensure that an individual's final wishes are carried out.

Examples of Will

  1. John created a will to ensure that his assets would be distributed equally among his children.
  2. Mary left a portion of her estate to her favorite charity in her will.
  3. The attorney reviewed the will to ensure that it met all legal requirements before it was executed.
  4. The family contested the will, claiming that the deceased was unduly influenced by a third party.
  5. The executor of the will was responsible for carrying out the deceased's wishes as outlined in the document.

Legal Terms Similar to Will

  1. Estate planning: The process of arranging for the disposal of an individual's assets after their death.
  2. Probate: The legal process through which a will is validated and the deceased's assets are distributed according to their wishes.
  3. Trust: A legal arrangement in which a third party manages assets on behalf of the beneficiary.