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Law of Wills, 2016A

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extent the subsequent will is inconsistent with the previous will; each will is fully operative on the<br />

testator's death to the extent they are not inconsistent.<br />

11.6.1 By Later Writing<br />

A subsequent writing can explicitly or implicitly revoke a will. An expressed revocation<br />

occurs when the later testamentary writing expressly states that intent. For instance, the later<br />

document states, “I revoke all prior wills.” Courts treat a later writing that makes a complete<br />

disposition <strong>of</strong> the testator’s estate as presumptively replacing the previous will and revoking it by<br />

inconsistency. If the subsequent writing does not completely dispose <strong>of</strong> the testator’s estate, courts<br />

do not presume it to revoke the prior will but view it as a codicil. As a result, the property that is not<br />

disposed <strong>of</strong> by the codicil is distributed based on the terms <strong>of</strong> the previous will.<br />

Example:<br />

In 2000, Carmen executes a will stating, “I leave my entire estate to my cousin, Paige.” In 2013,<br />

Carmen executes a will stating, “I leave my entire estate to my brother, Simon.”<br />

Explanation:<br />

The 2013 will revokes the 2000 will by inconsistency. Therefore, Simon takes the entire estate.<br />

Example:<br />

In 2000, Carmen executes a will stating, “I leave my entire estate to my cousin, Paige.” In 2013,<br />

Carmen executes a will stating, “I leave my house to my brother, Simon.”<br />

Explanation:<br />

Courts will consider the 2000 will to be a codicil because it only deals with a portion <strong>of</strong> Carmen’s<br />

estate. Therefore, Simon takes the house and Paige gets the rest <strong>of</strong> Carmen’s estate.<br />

Problems<br />

1. In 2012, Ellen executes a will stating, “I leave all <strong>of</strong> my property to James.” In 2013, Ellen<br />

executes a will stating, “I leave my car to Dana and my boat to Maggie.” In 2014, Ellen and Dana<br />

have a disagreement. As a result, Ellen burns the 2013 will with the intent <strong>of</strong> revoking it. In 2015,<br />

Ellen dies. How will her estate be distributed? In re Griffis’ Estate, 330 So.2d 797 (Fla. 1976).<br />

2. In 2009, Dewey executes a will stating, “I leave my entire estate to Donald and Daisy.” In 2011,<br />

Dewey executes a will stating, “I leave my house to Alice.” In 2013, Dewey shreds the 2009 will with<br />

the intent <strong>of</strong> revoking it. In 2015, Dewey dies. How will his estate be distributed? In re Schild’s Will,<br />

72 Misc. 2d 225 (N.Y. Sur. 1972).<br />

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