Drafting Flashcards
Define testamentary freedom in the context of wills.
Testamentary freedom refers to the ability of a testator to leave their property to whomever they choose without specific wording or form required.
Describe the age requirement for a testator to make a valid will under the Wills Act 1837.
A testator must be aged 18 or over to make a valid will, with the exception of those in military service.
List the four requirements a testator must meet to demonstrate testamentary capacity according to Banks v Goodfellow.
- Understand the nature of the act and its effects.
- Appreciate the extent of the property they are disposing of.
- Understand and appreciate the moral claims they ought to give effect.
- Have no disorder of the mind that perverts their sense of right or prevents the exercise of their natural faculties.
Testament - DEMoN
Disorder of the mind, Extent of property, Moral claims, Nature of the act
Describe the nature of the act a testator must understand when signing a will.
A testator must understand that they are signing a document that takes effect upon their death and disposes of their property.
How does Parker v Felgate establish an exception to testamentary capacity?
Parker v Felgate allows a testator who lacks testamentary capacity at the time of execution to still create a valid will if they had capacity when giving instructions, the will was prepared according to those instructions, and they understood they were signing a will.
Describe the ‘golden rule’ established in the case of Kenward v Adams.
The ‘golden rule’ states that when taking instructions for a will from an elderly or seriously ill client, a medical practitioner should assess the testator’s capacity and make a contemporaneous record of the assessment.
Is compliance with the ‘golden rule’ mandatory?
No, compliance with the ‘golden rule’ is not a legal obligation but is considered best practice.
Who bears the burden of proof of capacity in will probate?
The burden of proof of capacity lies with the propounder of the will, usually the executor.
What happens if evidence is provided to challenge a will’s validity?
If evidence is provided, the presumption of capacity is rebutted, and the burden of proof reverts to the propounder of the will (executor)
What is the significance of section 18(1) of the MCA 2005 in relation to wills?
Section 18(1) of the MCA 2005 allows the court to authorize the execution of a will for an adult who lacks the capacity to make one themselves.
What practical steps must a testator take to demonstrate knowledge and approval of their will?
A testator must read their will, understand it, and by their signature, intend to give effect to its terms.
When must knowledge and approval be present for a will to be valid?
Knowledge and approval must be present at the time of execution, unless the exception in Parker v Felgate applies.
Describe the presumption of knowledge and approval in relation to a testator’s will.
Knowledge and approval are presumed if the testator had testamentary capacity and the will was executed according to the requirements of s 9 Wills Act 1837.
Identify situations where there is no presumption of knowledge and approval.
There is no presumption of knowledge and approval if the testator is blind or illiterate, if the will was signed by someone on behalf of the testator, or if there are suspicious circumstances.
What are the formal requirements of executing a will?
the formal requirements for executing a will, which include being in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed.
Describe the role of an affidavit of knowledge and approval in the probate process.
An affidavit of knowledge and approval is usually needed when submitting a will to probate if there is no presumption of knowledge and approval and the attestation clause does not address this.
Define the attestation clause in the context of a will.
The attestation clause explains the circumstances under which the will was executed and can address issues of knowledge and approval.
Describe the attestation clause for a blind testator.
The attestation clause states that the will was signed by the testator (T) in the presence of both witnesses, and then by the witnesses in T’s presence after the document had been read over by A to T, who seemed to thoroughly understand and approve the contents.
What happens if only part of a will is influenced unduly?
If only part of a will is made under undue influence, the remaining parts may still be valid as long as the omissions do not disrupt the overall intent of the will.
Can a court modify a will that has parts influenced by undue influence?
No, the court cannot add or substitute words in a will, even if parts of it are influenced by undue influence.
Who has the burden of proof relating to undue influence claims?
The burden of proving undue influence lies with the person making the allegation, and the court requires evidence that is inconsistent with any other hypothesis.
Explain the relevance of the testator’s will being fair in undue influence cases.
Whether the court considers the testator’s will to be fair is irrelevant; the key question is whether the testator acted ‘as a free agent’ in executing the will.
How does the mental state of a testator affect claims of undue influence?
A weak or ill testator may be more susceptible to undue influence, as they might be induced to act against their will for the sake of a quiet life.
Describe the formal requirements for a valid will according to the Wills Act 1837.
A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator or by another person in their presence and by their direction, show that the testator intended to give effect to the will by their signature, and be signed in the presence of two or more witnesses who either attest and sign the will or acknowledge their signature in the presence of the testator.