What’s in a Name? Writings Intended as Wills

The type of writing necessary to create a valid will is evolving, and courts are moving away from adherence to strict compliance. In recent years, the definition of the term “will” has changed dramatically. What is a will, but the sum of its formalities? By some other name, would it be so valid? Probate courts across the country, faced with everything from DVDs to post-it-notes, are admitting to probate these nontraditional “documents” as writings intended as wills.

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