Legal Definitions - lost will

A lost will is a will that was executed by a person but cannot be found after their death. In many jurisdictions, the contents of a lost will can be proved by parol evidence. However, the common-law presumption is that there is a presumption of revocation if a lost will is proved to have been in the possession of the testator and has been lost.

For example, if John executed a will but it cannot be found after his death, his family may try to prove its contents through testimony from witnesses who saw the will or heard John talk about its provisions. However, if the will was in John's possession and cannot be found, there is a presumption that he revoked it before his death.