Wills Act 1837: Primary legislation governing the formal requirements for creating a valid will in England and Wales, including requirements for witnesses, proper execution, and minimum age requirement of 18 years
Administration of Estates Act 1925: Establishes the rules for estate distribution and defines the legal powers and duties of executors in managing and distributing the deceased's estate
Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975: Allows certain categories of people to claim reasonable financial provision from the deceased's estate if the will or intestacy rules fail to provide for them adequately
Mental Capacity Act 2005: Defines the requirements for testamentary capacity and the level of understanding needed to make a valid will, ensuring the testator has sufficient mental capacity
Law Reform (Succession) Act 1995: Covers the effects of divorce and marriage/civil partnership on existing wills, including automatic revocation provisions
Inheritance Tax Act 1984: Governs the tax implications of inheritance and provides framework for inheritance tax planning through wills
Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996: Relevant when creating trusts within a will, defining trustees' powers and responsibilities
Family Law Act 1996: Impacts how family arrangements and relationships are treated within the context of will-making
Children Act 1989: Governs provisions relating to minor children in wills, including guardianship appointments and financial arrangements
Common Law Principles: Established case law covering testamentary capacity, undue influence, knowledge and approval of contents, and proper execution requirements
