Caducity refers to the failure or lapse of a testamentary gift. This occurs when a will is revoked due to certain circumstances, such as the birth of a legitimate child after the will has been created. Unless the will explicitly states otherwise or includes provisions for the newly born child, the gift may no longer be valid.
Caducity is primarily relevant in the context of estate planning and family law. It is important for individuals creating wills to understand how changes in family circumstances, like the birth of children, can affect their testamentary gifts. Users can manage these issues by utilizing legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which are drafted by experienced attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, if a person creates a will leaving their estate to their spouse but later has a child, the gift to the spouse may lapse unless the will includes a provision for the child. This situation illustrates how caducity can affect testamentary intentions.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Caducity Rules |
|---|---|
| California | Caducity applies if no provision is made for children born after the will. |
| Texas | Similar rules apply, with specific provisions for children included in the will. |
| New York | New children may inherit unless the will states otherwise. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Revocation | The act of canceling a will, making it no longer valid. |
| Pretermitted heir | A child who is not mentioned in a will but has legal rights to inheritance. |
| Testamentary gift | A gift made through a will, which may lapse under certain conditions. |
If you are creating or updating a will, consider consulting with a legal professional to ensure that your testamentary intentions are clear and that all potential changes in family status are addressed. You can also explore the ready-to-use legal form templates available through US Legal Forms to help manage your estate planning needs.
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Your will may be affected by caducity, potentially invalidating gifts unless provisions are made for the new child.