FAQ: Provisions For Children & Survivors

In many cases, a will does contain provisions for minor children. However, a court can overrule these provisions with a specific reason or a justifiable challenge of guardianship from another interested party or family member. The judge may also find the designated guardian is incompetent or otherwise inappropriate due to character issues. A judge will determine final guardianship, even though the decedent’s wishes are given first consideration.

Joint tenancy with right of survivorship is a legal ownership option that is often used to pass ownership of a home without a will. Just note that joint tenancy can’t replace a will; it will only apply to real property, not other assets. It simply avoids probate for real estate. With this ownership option, the surviving tenant or owner — usually a surviving spouse — becomes the sole owner of the property regardless of what is in a will and outside the probate process. With this type of ownership, the property is not part of the decedent’s estate and not subject to the probate process.

Yes. The court won’t follow instructions that are deemed inappropriate. A judge can void a part or all of a will that goes against the law or is otherwise considered inappropriate. A will cannot, for example, terminate someone else’s legal rights or claims.