When does a last will and testament take effect?

When does a last will and testament take effect?

• A. upon death of a testator
• B. immediately upon signing
• C. after probate is complete
• D. upon the testator reaching adulthood

Answer: (A)

A will directs how a person’s property is to be distributed after death, so it only becomes operative when the testator dies. While alive, the testator can revoke or amend the will, and nothing passes under its terms yet. Signing creates the document but does not transfer property. Probate is the court process that validates the will and appoints an executor to carry out its terms after death; it confirms and administers the estate, not the moment the will takes effect. Adulthood has no bearing on its effectiveness.

A will directs how a person’s property is to be distributed after death, so it only becomes operative when the testator dies. While alive, the testator can revoke or amend the will, and nothing passes under its terms yet. Signing creates the document but does not transfer property. Probate is the court process that validates the will and appoints an executor to carry out its terms after death; it confirms and administers the estate, not the moment the will takes effect. Adulthood has no bearing on its effectiveness.