The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

WILLS ACT Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

In England. 1. The statute 32 Hen. VIII. c. 1, passed in 1540, by whichpersons seised in fee-simple of lands holden in socage tenure were enabled to devisethe same at their will and pleasure, except to bodies corporate; and those who heldestates by the tenure of chivalry were enabled to devise two-third parts thereof.2. The statute 7 Wm. IV. & 1 Vict. c. 26, passed in 1837, and also called “Lord Langdale’sAct.” This act permits of the disposition by will of every kind of interest in realand personal estate, and provides that all wills, whether of real or of personal estate,shall be attested toy two witnesses, and that such attestation shall be sufficient Otherimportant alterations are effected by this statute in the law of wills. Mozley & Whitley.

Disclaimer

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.