Inner Checklist

Question 1

Valid Will

Answer 1

1. Testamentary Intent
2. Testamentary Capacity
   
   • Infancy
   • Mental capacity
   • Insane delusion
   • Fraud
   • Undue influence
   • Mistake
   • Ambiguity
3. Legal Formalities
   
   • Formal will
   • Holographic will
4. Contracts to make a will
5. Joint/Mutual wills

Question 2

What Does a Will Consist of?

Answer 2

1. Integration
2. Codicil
3. Incorporation by Reference
4. Independent Significance

Question 3

Is Validity of Will Affected by Subsequent Events?

Answer 3

1. Revocation
   
   • Express
   • Implied
   • Physical Act
   • Operation of Law
2. Revival

Question 4

How is Property to be Distributed?

Answer 4

1. Order of payment
2. Classification of gifts
   
   • Specific
   • General
   • Demonstrative
   • Residuary
3. Doctrine of Ademption
4. Satisfaction by inter-vivos gift
5. Abatement
6. Increases in Property Value
   
   • During Testator’s life
   • After Testator’s life
7. Exoneration
8. Lapse/Anti-Lapse Statutes
9. Survivor Rights
   
   • Omitted heirs
   • Slayers

Question 5

Has there been a Partial/Total Failure of Will?

Answer 5

1. Intestate Succession
   
   • Community property rules
   • Quasi-Community property rules
   • Separate property
   • Ancillary rules
     
     • Simultaneous death
     • Adopted children
     • Illegitimate children
     • Stepchildren
     • Advancements