Kansas Funeral Director Practice Exam

If an individual alters their will without a codicil, what is this alteration called?

1. Revocation

2. Modification

3. Nullification

4. Supplementation

The correct answer is: Revocation

When an individual alters their will without creating a codicil, the term for this alteration is revocation. Revocation specifically refers to the process of canceling or voiding a will or part of a will, indicating that the original document is no longer valid or recognized. In the context of wills, revocation can occur through various means, such as physically destroying the document, clearly stating in writing that the person wishes to revoke the will, or creating a new will that contradicts the previous one. Understanding this concept is vital for funeral directors, as it relates to ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored and followed accurately. The other terms, such as modification, nullification, and supplementation, have different legal implications and do not appropriately describe the action of changing a will outright without a formal codicil. Modification suggests changing specific terms or provisions within an existing document but does not imply outright cancellation. Nullification typically refers to declaring something invalid from the start, which is not applicable to the context of altering a will. Supplementation implies adding to the existing document without necessarily revoking any parts, which is also not the case when a will is altered directly.