Multiple Wills: Does A New Will Revoke Old Ones?

Temecula trust and probate litigation attorney Scott Grossman explains California law regarding revocation of a will, and if a new will revokes old ones.

Here is one common way this situation arises.  First, a person writes a will.  Then, some time later, they create a new will.  Under California law, which is what applies here in Temecula, the new will revokes any earlier ones.

But what happens if later, yet another, third, will is created, and that will has specific language revoking the terms of the second will, but doesn’t make any mention of the first one?

Well, the law in this situation is clear:  only the third will stands.  All earlier wills are revoked. Most wills start out with a clause regarding revocation of previous documents.

If you or a family member are in this situation, or a similar one involving trust and probate litigation, feel free to explore the many articles, FAQs, and other videos here on our site.  Also, call (888)443-6590 or click the link to order Scott Grossman’s book, Winning the Inheritance Battle: The Ultimate Guide to California Trust and Probate Litigation, available in hard copy or by instant download.