Simple English definitions for legal terms
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An officious will is a type of legal document that outlines how a person's personal property should be distributed after they pass away. It is called "officious" because it is typically created to benefit the testator's family members, and it may reserve a portion of the estate for the testator's children and other natural heirs. In contrast, an inofficious will is one that does not distribute property to the testator's natural heirs, which can be problematic in civil law. Other types of wills include closed, military, mutual, mystic, secret, and sealed testaments.
An officious will is a type of will that disposes of property to the testator's family and reserves the legitime for the testator's children and other natural heirs. It is also known as an officious testament.
For example, if a person creates a will that leaves their entire estate to their spouse and children, that would be considered an officious will.
On the other hand, if a person creates a will that completely disinherits their children and leaves everything to a charity, that would be considered an inofficious will.
Officious wills are recognized in civil law and are designed to ensure that the testator's family members receive a fair share of their estate.