No-contest Clause in Wills
The Uniform Probate Code (UPC) §§ 2-517 and 3‑905 allow for no contest clauses so long as the person challenging the will doesn't have probable cause to do so. The full wording is:
A provision in a will purporting to penalize an interested person for contesting the will or instituting other proceedings relating to the estate is unenforceable if probable cause exists for instituting proceedings. —UPC §§ 2-517 and 3‑905The UPC has been adopted in several smaller states, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico, but also by Florida, one of the larger states in population.
Some states allow for "living probate" and "ante mortem" probate, which are statutory provisions which authorize testators to institute an adversary proceeding during their life to declare the validity of the will, in order to avoid later will contests.
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Famous quotes containing the words clause and/or wills:
“Long ago I added to the true old adage of What is everybodys business is nobodys business, another clause which, I think, more than any other principle has served to influence my actions in life. That is, What is nobodys business is my business.”
—Clara Barton (18211912)
“I have sought his aidbut if after endeavoring to do my best in the light which he affords me, I find my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to me, He wills it otherwise.”
—Abraham Lincoln (18091865)