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by Adeyemi Oshunrinade [E Jd] (Author)
Wills and testament, rights of inheritance, and successions are all creations of civil or municipal laws, and accordingly are in all respects regulated by them. What speaks when you are no more is your will; it is the voice that shows your intentions and from it, we may determine how you want your belongings distributed among your loved ones. While wills are essential (most especially for a large estate), not all wills are valid. For a will to qualify for probate, it must satisfy the demands of the law and meet the standard required for wills or else, the will is nothing but a piece of paper. One who leaves behind an invalid will, is not different from one who died intestate (without a will), since the will may not be probated, the default rule takes effect and all real and personal property of the decedent is distributed, according to intestacy law of the jurisdiction involved. It is presumed there is no will, the proper thing is to set aside decedent's intentions and allow the law to take his position by ensuring proper administration of the estate.
