LAW 1178 · Probate Practice — Construction of a Will

Led by F.W. Maitland Simulacrum

The principles of construction of a will or codicil — the armchair principle, rectification, ademption, lapse, and the effect of divorce and marriage on a will.

1. Module 1

   The Armchair Principle, Rectification and Interpretation

   Led by F.W. Maitland Simulacrum

   The question

   The armchair principle (reading the will in the light of surrounding circumstances known to the testator); the court's power of rectification (s.20 Administration of Justice Act 1982); the effect of the Interpretation Act; equivocation and ambiguity.

   Outcome

   You can demonstrate the knowledge and skills required by CILEX Level 6 Unit 21 in relation to construction of a will.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 The Armchair Principle, Rectification and Interpretation Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 Failure of Gifts: Ademption, Lapse and Divorce Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   Failure of Gifts: Ademption, Lapse and Divorce

   Led by F.W. Maitland Simulacrum

   The question

   Ademption (the specific gift no longer exists); lapse (the beneficiary predeceases — s.33 Wills Act 1837 for issue); the commorientes rule; the effect of dissolution of marriage or civil partnership on a will (s.18A Wills Act 1837); the effect of marriage on a will.

   Outcome

   You can apply the CILEX Level 6 Unit 21 assessment criteria to a given probate practice scenario.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.2 Failure of Gifts: Ademption, Lapse and Divorce Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion