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Revoking a Will, Methods

As a general rule, a will can be changed or cancelled at any time before the testator's death. A will may be revoked (i.e., recalled or cancelled). This article discusses methods for revoking a will.

Will Formalities

The body of a will is where is where the testator directs the disposition of his or her estate. This article discusses the clauses before the body of the will and the clauses and signature lines after the body of the will, that are necessary to comply with the customs and requirements--the formalities--for the making of a will.

Disposing Dead Bodies

The dead bodies of human beings are not property. The dead bodies of human beings are not disposed of by a state's statute of descent and distribution. If a person does not leave directions in a will or other document for the disposition of his or her dead body, his or her dead body is usually disposed of as provided by local custom.

Protection of the Immediate Family

One of the main purposes for making and leaving a will is to guide the administration of the estate of the testator--the person who made the will. A will should be written in language that is clear and indisputable. Alas, the language in a will may be unclear or vague. This article discusses will interpretation doctrines designed to protect the testator's immediate family from mistakes, or apparent mistakes, by the testator.

Resulting Trusts

Trusts are sometimes classified by the intent, if any, of the settlor to create a trust. This article discusses the kind of trust for which the settlor's intent is implied: the resulting trust.