Testament
Will
A will is a legal document in which a person determines how their estate is to be distributed after their death. It permits deviation from the statutory rules of succession.
A will is a unilateral legal act whereby the testator determines how his estate is to be distributed among heirs or legatees after his death. It may be executed by notarial deed or as a private instrument, provided the statutory formal requirements are met.
A will is relevant because it enables the testator to decide for himself who his heirs are and in what proportions they inherit, rather than following the default rules of the law. This is particularly relevant in the case of blended families or where specific wishes apply to particular assets.
In practice, a will is often drawn up before a notary to ensure its validity and evidentiary value. It may be revoked or amended at any time, provided the testator has legal capacity.
“In his will, he had provided that his residence would pass to his niece rather than to his brothers.”
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