Legal Definitions - Revoke

Revoke means to officially cancel, withdraw, or annul something that was previously granted, issued, or made effective. When an action, right, or document is revoked, its legal force or validity is terminated, often by the person or entity who originally created or authorized it.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of revoking:

• Example 1: Revoking a Will

  Imagine an individual, Ms. Chen, writes a will in 2010 outlining how her assets should be distributed. Ten years later, after significant life changes, she decides to create a completely new will that reflects her current wishes. In this new will, she includes a clause explicitly stating that "all prior wills and codicils are hereby revoked."

  Explanation: By executing the new will with this specific clause, Ms. Chen has legally revoked her 2010 will. The older document no longer holds any legal power regarding the distribution of her estate.

• Example 2: Revoking a Power of Attorney

  Mr. Davies, anticipating a long overseas trip, grants his sister, Sarah, a durable power of attorney, allowing her to make financial decisions on his behalf while he is away. However, his trip is unexpectedly cut short, and he returns home sooner than planned. Upon his return, Mr. Davies signs a formal document stating that the power of attorney previously granted to Sarah is no longer valid.

  Explanation: Mr. Davies's action of signing the new document revokes the power of attorney, thereby terminating Sarah's legal authority to act on his behalf. He has taken back the legal power he previously delegated.

• Example 3: Revoking a Professional License

  A state licensing board investigates a certified public accountant (CPA), Mr. Lee, after receiving complaints about serious ethical breaches and mismanagement of client funds. Following a thorough hearing process, the board determines that Mr. Lee violated professional standards and decides to permanently remove his license to practice accounting in the state.

  Explanation: The licensing board's decision to remove Mr. Lee's CPA license is a revocation. This action legally cancels his authorization to work as a CPA, making it illegal for him to offer accounting services in that jurisdiction.