Topic
Wills
952 published works
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Conditional Wills
True conditional will cases are rare -- usually the court deems will language such as, "I write this will because I am afraid I'll die from my upcoming surgery," as…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Pope John Paul II’s Will
On April 7, 2005, the Vatican released an Italian translation of Pope John Paul II's will which was written in Polish. An unofficial English translation is available.Here is the main…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
More Wealthy Individuals Less Like to Have Wills
According to a study by PNC Advisors reported in the April 2005 issue of Worth magazine, 43% of individuals with at least $10 million in investable assets have not executed…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Jay Leno Discusses Estate Planning
During The Tonight Show last night (March 29, 2005), Jay Leno entered the realm of estate planning with one of his monologue comments regarding Burger King's new Enormous Omelet Sandwich.He…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
The Gonzo Trust of Hunter S. Thompson
Hunter S. Thompson, the King of Gonzo journalism (defined as, "journalism [which can be] more truthful without strict observance of traditional rules of factual reportage" according to Wikipedia) died of…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Oberweiss Will
Perhaps you have heard of the unusual will of a Texas farmer often referred to as the Oberweiss Will. Here are the key provisions from this instrument:I am writing of…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Unusual Will Provisions from England & Wales
A website in the United Kingdom contains a variety of very interesting will provisions. Examples include:the shortest dispositive provision ("vse zene"),the anti-vampire clause (“My doctor is to drive a steel…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
A Real Scary In Terrorem Provision
A man died in 2003. He had no close family members so he left his entire estate to various friends. But, he did want to scare off any heirs who…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Weight Reveals Fraud
A man claiming to be John Vieira, Jr. brought a will to a notary for notarization on August 21, 2000. Later, it was discovered that John had actually died on…
Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog
Substantial Compliance Approach Rejected
In In re Estate of Iversen, 150 S.W.3d 824 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2004, no pet. h.), the probate court admitted Testator’s typed notarized will into probate even though it was…