The best evidence of the contents of a lost or destroyed will is a copy or draft of the will that is clearly and satisfactorily identified, if it can be obtained, and ordinarily this is sufficient. For example, an Arkansas court held that a finding that a photocopy was a copy of a lost or destroyed will should be sustained in view of the fact that the testimony of the attesting witnesses and the attorney as to how, when, and where will was signed was not in conflict.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation is a legal document intended to provide an account of the circumstances and provisions related to a lost will that has not been revoked within the jurisdiction of Chicago, Illinois. This declaration is crucial in addressing the absence of the original will and establishing the intentions of the testator. The Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation outlines the specific circumstances of the loss of the will, including the date and location of its last known existence. It also highlights any reasonable efforts made to locate the missing will, such as contacting the testator's attorney or family members. Moreover, this declaration emphasizes the lack of revocation of the lost will, meaning that the testator did not intentionally take steps to nullify its contents. It may include details regarding the absence of any subsequent wills or documents that would revoke or supersede the missing will. Different types or variations of the Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation may include: 1. Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation with Acceptable Evidence: This type of declaration includes supporting evidence to establish the existence and contents of the lost will. It may include testimonies from witnesses, previous drafts or copies of the will, or any other documentation that can substantiate the provisions and intentions of the testator. 2. Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Holographic Will and Lack of Revocation: In cases where the lost will is a holographic will (handwritten and unwitnessed), this specific declaration focuses on the unique characteristics and requirements associated with holographic wills. It emphasizes the validity of the holographic will before its loss and the absence of a revocation. 3. Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation with Affidavit of Diligent Search: This type of declaration includes an additional affidavit from the person responsible for searching for the lost will. The affidavit highlights the diligent efforts made to locate the will through various means, such as contacting relevant individuals, conducting a thorough search of the testator's belongings, or hiring a professional search service. In summary, the Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation serves as a legal document that outlines the circumstances of the loss of a will, reaffirms its non-revocation, and provides necessary information to establish the testator's intent.Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation is a legal document intended to provide an account of the circumstances and provisions related to a lost will that has not been revoked within the jurisdiction of Chicago, Illinois. This declaration is crucial in addressing the absence of the original will and establishing the intentions of the testator. The Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation outlines the specific circumstances of the loss of the will, including the date and location of its last known existence. It also highlights any reasonable efforts made to locate the missing will, such as contacting the testator's attorney or family members. Moreover, this declaration emphasizes the lack of revocation of the lost will, meaning that the testator did not intentionally take steps to nullify its contents. It may include details regarding the absence of any subsequent wills or documents that would revoke or supersede the missing will. Different types or variations of the Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation may include: 1. Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation with Acceptable Evidence: This type of declaration includes supporting evidence to establish the existence and contents of the lost will. It may include testimonies from witnesses, previous drafts or copies of the will, or any other documentation that can substantiate the provisions and intentions of the testator. 2. Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Holographic Will and Lack of Revocation: In cases where the lost will is a holographic will (handwritten and unwitnessed), this specific declaration focuses on the unique characteristics and requirements associated with holographic wills. It emphasizes the validity of the holographic will before its loss and the absence of a revocation. 3. Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation with Affidavit of Diligent Search: This type of declaration includes an additional affidavit from the person responsible for searching for the lost will. The affidavit highlights the diligent efforts made to locate the will through various means, such as contacting relevant individuals, conducting a thorough search of the testator's belongings, or hiring a professional search service. In summary, the Chicago, Illinois Declaration of Circumstances of Lost Will and Lack of Revocation serves as a legal document that outlines the circumstances of the loss of a will, reaffirms its non-revocation, and provides necessary information to establish the testator's intent.
