When a deceased individual’s testamentary wishes, as outlined in their legally executed will, are disregarded or contravened after their death, the intended distribution of assets and instructions for estate administration are disrupted. This non-compliance can manifest in various forms, ranging from outright refusal to acknowledge the will’s validity to mismanagement of assets by the designated executor or administrator.
Adhering to the stipulations within a will is fundamental to upholding the decedent’s right to direct the disposition of their property after death. A valid will provides clarity and order in the transfer of assets, potentially mitigating familial disputes and ensuring that beneficiaries receive what was intended for them. Historically, wills have served as critical instruments for wealth transfer and societal organization, and their enforcement underpins trust in the legal system.
