Is Advance Will Declaration Valid?

An advance will declaration refers to a statement made by an individual regarding their testamentary wishes before the actual drafting and execution of the will. While it is common for individuals to declare their intentions regarding property distribution, the validity and enforceability of such advance declarations can vary based on the legal requirements in different jurisdictions. A declaration of intent is not automatically considered a legal will unless it meets specific conditions under the law.

Is an Advance Will Declaration Valid?

Definition of Advance Will Declaration:

An advance will declaration is essentially a statement made by an individual expressing how they want their assets to be distributed or handled, often made before the actual preparation of a legal will.

While these declarations may serve as informal instructions or intentions, they do not carry the same legal weight as a formally executed will unless they meet specific legal criteria.

Validity of Advance Will Declaration:

In most legal systems, an advance will declaration, on its own, is not considered a valid will unless it complies with the formalities required for the creation of a legally enforceable will.

To be valid, a will typically needs to be written, signed by the testator (the person making the will), and witnessed by at least two disinterested witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the will. Without fulfilling these formalities, the advance declaration may not hold up in court.

Key Legal Requirements for a Valid Will:

Testamentary Capacity:

The testator must be of sound mind and legally capable of making a will. If an advance declaration is made without the testator's capacity to execute it legally, it will not be valid.

Written and Signed:

A valid will needs to be in writing (either handwritten or typed) and must be signed by the person making it. If the advance will declaration is made verbally or is informal, it may not meet the required standards for a valid will.

Witnesses:

In most jurisdictions, a valid will must be signed by two or more witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will. Without proper witnesses, an advance will declaration is unlikely to be considered legally binding.

Difference Between Advance Declaration and Final Will:

Advance Declaration:

Often, an advance declaration is simply a statement of intent or desire, but it does not have the full legal effect of a formal will. Such declarations are usually not enforceable unless they are formally executed in accordance with the law.

Final Will:

A final, legally executed will is a document that has been properly signed and witnessed and can be used in probate court to distribute assets after the testator's death.

Advance Directive or Will Declaration in Specific Contexts:

While advance declarations regarding property may not hold legal weight, advance healthcare directives or living wills are different. These documents are legally recognized and used to express a person's medical treatment preferences in case they become incapacitated.

In terms of property distribution, an individual may indicate their wishes informally in advance, but those declarations will need to be formalized into a valid will to be legally binding.

Revocation and Amendments:

An advance declaration, like any will, can be revoked or modified at any time before the person’s death, provided the proper legal process is followed (such as creating a new will or codicil).

If the individual wishes for the advance declaration to be legally binding, they must formalize it by creating an actual will and ensuring it complies with the required legal formalities.

Example:

Suppose Ramesh tells his family that he wishes to leave his house to his eldest son, Rajesh, and his car to his daughter, Priya. This verbal declaration, while clear, would not hold legal value unless Ramesh formally writes it down, signs it, and has it witnessed according to the law. If Ramesh dies before formalizing this declaration, it might be difficult for his children to enforce his verbal wishes, and the property would be distributed according to intestate succession laws or a valid will if one exists.

Conclusion:

An advance will declaration is generally not legally binding unless it follows the specific legal requirements for creating a valid will, including being written, signed, and witnessed. While such declarations may reflect the testator’s wishes, they do not have the full legal standing of a formal will. To ensure that the estate is distributed according to one’s wishes, it is essential to create a properly executed and legally binding will.