Determining the validity of a will is crucial in the Philippines to ensure a smooth transition of assets and properties according to the wishes of the deceased. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key factors involved in evaluating the validity of a will. By following these guidelines, individuals can navigate the legal requirements and ensure a seamless process.

Legal Age and Capacity

To ensure the validity of a will, the testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when making the will. This requirement ensures that the testator has the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions. Mental capacity is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring that the testator's wishes are accurately reflected in the will.

Proper Form

The will must be in writing and can be handwritten, typewritten, or printed. Handwritten wills must be signed by the testator at the end and on each page, while typewritten or printed wills must be signed at the end, preferably on each page, and on the left margin of the pages except the last. Adhering to these formalities ensures that the will is properly executed and reduces the risk of disputes regarding its validity.

Witnesses

To validate a will, it must be attested and signed by at least three credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and each other. These witnesses must be of legal age, meaning they must be at least 18 years old, and competent to testify in court. Witness signatures serve as evidence that the testator willingly made the will and that it accurately reflects their intentions.

Testamentary Capacity

The testator must have testamentary capacity, meaning they understand the nature and consequences of making a will. They should be aware of the extent of their properties and assets and comprehend the distribution they are making through the will. This requirement ensures that the testator is making informed decisions and prevents situations where the testator may be easily influenced or coerced.

Absence of Undue Influence or Fraud

To ensure the validity of a will, it must be made voluntarily and without any undue influence, fraud, or coercion from any person. If there is evidence of manipulation or pressure exerted on the testator that affected their decisions in making the will, its validity may be called into question. This requirement protects the testator's autonomy and ensures that they will accurately represent their true intentions.

Revocation of Previous Wills

If there are previous wills, the most recent will is considered valid. It is important to determine whether any earlier wills have been properly revoked or if the new will is intended to replace the previous ones. Proper revocation of previous wills ensures that the testator's most recent intentions are respected and implemented.

Probate Proceedings

After the death of the testator, the will must undergo probate proceedings in court. Probate is the legal process where the court evaluates the validity of the will and ensures that all legal requirements have been met. During this process, the will and supporting documents are submitted to the court, interested parties are notified, and evidence is presented to establish the validity of the will. Probate proceedings provide a legal framework for resolving any disputes and ensure that the testator's wishes are properly executed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, validating a will in the Philippines involves considering legal age and capacity, proper form, witnesses, testamentary capacity, absence of undue influence or fraud, revocation of previous wills, and compliance with the probate process. Following these guidelines guarantees that the testator's wishes are honored, assets and properties are smoothly transferred, and potential disputes are minimized. Consulting a qualified legal professional is essential to navigate the legal requirements and address any challenges or changes in the law. By taking these steps and seeking proper advice, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their wills are valid and their estate planning is secure.

Making a last will and testament is an important step in estate planning, and it is crucial to know the different types of wills recognized by law. In the Philippines, two types of wills are recognized: notarial wills and holographic wills.

Most people in the Philippines don't give much thought to their estate after they pass. Even when they do, they might not think it's important enough to make out a will. But this isn't the best way to go.

Planning for your own death can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be confusing. Understanding the different types of wills and how to execute them can help ensure that you're able to settle any potential issues with your estate once you pass away.

In this article, I'll explain what a notarial and holographic will is, as well as some legal aspects that you need to know about these convenient forms of estate planning in the Philippines.

Notarial Wills in the Philippines

A notarial will is a will that is executed before a notary public. This type of will is recognized as a formal will and is considered more secure than a holographic will. To make a notarial will in the Philippines, you must follow these steps:

1. Determine your assets and beneficiaries - You must decide which assets you want to distribute and to whom you want to distribute them.

2. Choose an executor - It is important to choose a trustworthy executor who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes.

3. Draft your will - Write down your wishes and instructions for distributing your assets, as well as any specific conditions or limitations you want to impose.

4. Go to a notary public - Bring two witnesses with you, who must attest to your identity and competence to make a will. They should not be related to you by blood or marriage.

5. Sign your will - You, your witnesses, and the notary public will sign your will. The notary public will affix his or her seal and signature to the document.

It is important to note that notarial wills are subject to the formalities required by law, and it is more challenging to challenge a notarial will in court. However, the process of making a notarial will can be more time-consuming and costly.

Holographic Wills in the Philippines

A holographic will is a testament written, dated, and signed in the testator's handwriting which does require a witness but does generally require to be certified by a public official. To make a holographic will in the Philippines, you must follow these steps:

1. Draft your will - Write down your wishes and instructions for distributing your assets, as well as any specific conditions or limitations you want to impose.

2. Sign and date your will - Sign and date your will in your own handwriting.

Holographic wills are less formal than notarial wills, and they are generally easier and less expensive to make. However, they are also more vulnerable to challenges in court, as they are subject to stricter requirements of proof.

Requirements and Validity of Notarial and Holographic Wills

In the Philippines, notarial and holographic wills are subject to different requirements for validity. A notarial will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public, while a holographic will must be entirely in the handwriting of the testator. Notarial wills are generally easier to prove in court, while holographic wills are subject to stricter requirements of proof.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a notarial and holographic will in the Philippines can be invaluable for providing for your family when you're gone. They both offer important benefits such as a guarantee of authenticity and legal advise if needed. However, there are key differences to consider, with notarial wills offering more security although they tend to take longer to register. The right option for you will depend on individual circumstances, but crafting either kind of will is an important step forward in responsible estate planning. So, make sure to seek professional advice if needed and make sure that your wishes will be followed when the time comes!

Making a will ensures that conflict and controversy regarding the deceased person's estate are prevented. A will under Article 783 refers to " a will is an act whereby a person is permitted, with the formalities prescribed by law, to control to a certain degree the disposition of this estate, to take effect after his death."

Article 784 also states that the making of a will must be a personal act. The Civil Codes also specifies that a testator can execute can execute two kinds of wills. These are the attested and holographic will.

The ordinary or attested will is governed by Articles 804 to 809:

Art. 804.  Every will must be in writing and executed in a language or dialect known to the testator.

Art. 805.  Every will, other than a holographic will, must be subscribed at the end thereof by the testator himself or by the testator’s name written by some other person in his presence, and by his express direction, and attested and subscribed by three or more credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and of one another. The testator or the person requested by him to write his name and the instrumental witnesses of the will, shall also sign, as aforesaid, each and every page thereof, except the last, on the left margin, and all the pages shall be numbered correlatively in letters placed on the upper part of each page.  The attestation shall state the number of pages used upon which the will is written, and the fact that the testator signed the will and every page thereof, or caused some other person to write his name, under his express direction, in the presence of the instrumental witnesses, and that the latter witnessed and signed the will and all the pages thereof in the presence of the testator and of one another. If the attestation clause is in a language not known to the witnesses, it shall be interpreted to them. 

Art. 806.  Every will must be acknowledged before a notary public by the testator and the witnesses. The notary public shall not be required to retain a copy of the will, or file another with the office of the Clerk of Court. 

Art. 807.  If the testator be deaf, or a deaf-mute, he must personally read the will, if able to do so; otherwise, he shall designate two persons to read it and communicate to him, in some practicable manner, the contents thereof.

Art. 808.  If the testator is blind, the will shall be read to him twice; once, by one of the subscribing witnesses, and again, by the notary public before whom the will is acknowledged. 

Art. 809.  In the absence of bad faith, forgery, or fraud, or undue and improper pressure and influence, defects and imperfections in the form of attestation or in the language used therein shall not render the will invalid if it is proved that the will was in fact executed and attested in substantial compliance with all the requirements of article 805.

The holographic will is governed by Article 810 of the New Civil Code:

“A person may execute a holographic will which must be entirely written, dated, and signed by the hand of the testator himself. It is subject to no other form, and may be made in or out of the Philippines, and need not be witnessed.”

Succession as defined under Art. 774 of the New Civil Code is a mode of acquisition by virtue of which the property, rights and obligations to the extent of the value of the inheritance, of a person are transmitted through his death to another or others either by his will or by operation of law. 

There are two kinds of successors:

Compulsory heirs refer to the legitime reserved by law, and who succeed whether the testator likes it or not. 

Voluntary heirs refer to the person other than the compulsory heirs. 

Art. 775. In this Title, "decedent" is the general term applied to the person whose property is transmitted through succession, whether or not he left a will. If he left a will, he is also called the testator. (n)

Art. 776. The inheritance includes all the property, rights and obligations of a person which are not extinguished by his death. (659)

Art. 777. The rights to the succession are transmitted from the moment of the death of the decedent. (657a)

Art. 778. Succession may be:

(1) Testamentary;

(2) Legal or intestate; or

(3) Mixed. (n)

Art. 779. Testamentary succession is that which results from the designation of an heir, made in a will executed in the form prescribed by law. (n)

Art. 780. Mixed succession is that effected partly by will and partly by operation of law. (n)

Art. 781. The inheritance of a person includes not only the property and the transmissible rights and obligations existing at the time of his death, but also those which have accrued thereto since the opening of the succession. (n)

Art. 782. An heir is a person called to the succession either by the provision of a will or by operation of law.

Devisees and legatees are persons to whom gifts of real and personal property are respectively given by virtue of a will. (n) 

TESTAMENTARY SUCCESSION

Art. 783. A will is an act whereby a person is permitted, with the formalities prescribed by law, to control to a certain degree the disposition of this estate, to take effect after his death. (667a)

Art. 784. The making of a will is a strictly personal act; it cannot be left in whole or in part of the discretion of a third person, or accomplished through the instrumentality of an agent or attorney. (670a)

Art. 785. The duration or efficacy of the designation of heirs, devisees or legatees, or the determination of the portions which they are to take, when referred to by name, cannot be left to the discretion of a third person. (670a)

Art. 786. The testator may entrust to a third person the distribution of specific property or sums of money that he may leave in general to specified classes or causes, and also the designation of the persons, institutions or establishments to which such property or sums are to be given or applied. (671a)

Art. 787. The testator may not make a testamentary disposition in such manner that another person has to determine whether or not it is to be operative. (n)

Art. 788. If a testamentary disposition admits of different interpretations, in case of doubt, that interpretation by which the disposition is to be operative shall be preferred. (n)

Art. 789. When there is an imperfect description, or when no person or property exactly answers the description, mistakes and omissions must be corrected, if the error appears from the context of the will or from extrinsic evidence, excluding the oral declarations of the testator as to his intention; and when an uncertainty arises upon the face of the will, as to the application of any of its provisions, the testator's intention is to be ascertained from the words of the will, taking into consideration the circumstances under which it was made, excluding such oral declarations. (n)

Art. 790. The words of a will are to be taken in their ordinary and grammatical sense, unless a clear intention to use them in another sense can be gathered, and that other can be ascertained.

Technical words in a will are to be taken in their technical sense, unless the context clearly indicates a contrary intention, or unless it satisfactorily appears that he was unacquainted with such technical sense. (675a)

Art. 791. The words of a will are to receive an interpretation which will give to every expression some effect, rather than one which will render any of the expressions inoperative; and of two modes of interpreting a will, that is to be preferred which will prevent intestacy. (n)

Art. 792. The invalidity of one of several dispositions contained in a will does not result in the invalidity of the other dispositions, unless it is to be presumed that the testator would not have made such other dispositions if the first invalid disposition had not been made. (n)

Art. 793. Property acquired after the making of a will shall only pass thereby, as if the testator had possessed it at the time of making the will, should it expressly appear by the will that such was his intention. (n)

Art. 794. Every devise or legacy shall cover all the interest which the testator could device or bequeath in the property disposed of, unless it clearly appears from the will that he intended to convey a less interest. (n)

Art. 795. The validity of a will as to its form depends upon the observance of the law in force at the time it is made. (n) 

 

 

 

Partition or distribution of the estate is an issue to the surviving spouse and children when the deceased father failed to leave any Will that will determine who gets what. The plot even thickens when the property is going to be divided among half siblings. It is a challenge for all parties to come to an agreement, which involves the proposed partition as there are various things that must be taken into consideration. This is where intestate succession comes into play. 

SECTION 2. – Order of Intestate Succession

SUBSECTION 1. – Descending Direct Line

Art. 978. Succession pertains, in the first place, to the descending direct line. (930)

Art. 979. Legitimate children and their descendants succeed the parents and other ascendants, without distinction as to sex or age, and even if they should come from different marriages.

An adopted child succeeds to the property of the adopting parents in the same manner as a legitimate child. (931a)

Art. 980. The children of the deceased shall always inherit from him in their own right, dividing the inheritance in equal shares. (932)

Art. 981. Should children of the deceased and descendants of other children who are dead, survive, the former shall inherit in their own right, and the latter by right of representation. (934a)

Art. 982. The grandchildren and other descendants shall inherit by right of representation, and if any one of them should have died, leaving several heirs, the portion pertaining to him shall be divided among the latter in equal portions. (933)

Art. 983. If illegitimate children survive with legitimate children, the shares of the former shall be in the proportions prescribed by Article 895. (n)

Art. 984. In case of the death of an adopted child, leaving no children or descendants, his parents and relatives by consanguinity and not by adoption, shall be his legal heirs. (n)

SUBSECTION 4. – Surviving Spouse

Art. 995. In the absence of legitimate descendants and ascendants, and illegitimate children and their descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate, the surviving spouse shall inherit the entire estate, without prejudice to the rights of brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, should there be any, under article 1001. (946a)

Art. 996. If a widow or widower and legitimate children or descendants are left, the surviving spouse has in the succession the same share as that of each of the children. (834a)

Art. 997. When the widow or widower survives with legitimate parents or ascendants, the surviving spouse shall be entitled to one-half of the estate, and the legitimate parents or ascendants to the other half. (836a)

Art. 998. If a widow or widower survives with illegitimate children, such widow or widower shall be entitled to one-half of the inheritance, and the illegitimate children or their descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate, to the other half. (n)

Art. 999. When the widow or widower survives with legitimate children or their descendants and illegitimate children or their descendants, whether legitimate or illegitimate, such widow or widower shall be entitled to the same share as that of a legitimate child. (n)

Art. 1000. If legitimate ascendants, the surviving spouse, and illegitimate children are left, the ascendants shall be entitled to one-half of the inheritance, and the other half shall be divided between the surviving spouse and the illegitimate children so that such widow or widower shall have one-fourth of the estate, and the illegitimate children the other fourth. (841a)

Art. 1001. Should brothers and sisters or their children survive with the widow or widower, the latter shall be entitled to one-half of the inheritance and the brothers and sisters or their children to the other half. (953, 837a)

Art. 1002. In case of a legal separation, if the surviving spouse gave cause for the separation, he or she shall not have any of the rights granted in the preceding articles. (n)

If you have already made your last will and testament and decided to make some changes, do you need to follow the same requirements as the old will? In most cases, creating a new will can still be considered invalid if it does not meet the conditions under Article 830. Creating a new will does not automatically revoke the old will.

The old will can be still be considered operative if there is no valid revocation of a will by a subsequent will. This means that the subsequent will should comply with the formal requirements in terms of executing it. The maker of the will must have testamentary capacity and the subsequent will should contain express revocatory clause which shows incompatibility with the old will.

You must clearly express your intention to replace your old will. It should also specify your intention to revoke it. The subsequent will must also be probated by Court as this is still part of the requirement.

SUBSECTION 6. - Revocation of Wills and Testamentary Dispositions

Art. 828. A will may be revoked by the testator at any time before his death. Any waiver or restriction of this right is void. (737a)

Art. 829. A revocation done outside the Philippines, by a person who does not have his domicile in this country, is valid when it is done according to the law of the place where the will was made, or according to the law of the place in which the testator had his domicile at the time; and if the revocation takes place in this country, when it is in accordance with the provisions of this Code. (n)

Art. 830. No will shall be revoked except in the following cases:

    (1) By implication of law; or

    (2) By some will, codicil, or other writing executed as provided in case of wills; or

    (3) By burning, tearing, cancelling, or obliterating the will with the intention of revoking it, by the testator himself, or by some other person in his presence, and by his express direction. If burned, torn, cancelled, or obliterated by some other person, without the express direction of the testator, the will may still be established, and the estate distributed in accordance therewith, if its contents, and due execution, and the fact of its unauthorized destruction, cancellation, or obliteration are established according to the Rules of Court. (n)

Art. 831. Subsequent wills which do not revoke the previous ones in an express manner, annul only such dispositions in the prior wills as are inconsistent with or contrary to those contained in the latter wills. (n)

Art. 832. A revocation made in a subsequent will shall take effect, even if the new will should become inoperative by reason of the incapacity of the heirs, devisees or legatees designated therein, or by their renunciation. (740a)

Art. 833. A revocation of a will based on a false cause or an illegal cause is null and void. (n)

Art. 834. The recognition of an illegitimate child does not lose its legal effect, even though the will wherein it was made should be revoked.