Legal Definitions - will and testament

A will and testament is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes for the distribution of their property and assets after their death. It is also known as a will.

For example, if John wants to leave his house to his daughter and his savings to his son, he can create a will to ensure that his wishes are carried out after his death.

There are different types of wills, such as:

• Holographic will: A will that is handwritten by the testator.
• Joint will: A single will executed by two or more testators, usually disposing of their common property by transferring their separate titles to one devisee.
• Living will: A document that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
• Mutual will: Two separate wills in which two persons, usually a husband and wife, establish identical or similar testamentary provisions disposing of their estates in favor of each other.

These examples illustrate how a will and testament can be used to ensure that a person's wishes are carried out after their death. It is important to create a will to avoid confusion and disputes among family members and loved ones.