Testamentary Capacity Law & Legal Definition
In making a will, the maker of the will must have testamentary capacity, meaning that he/she must understand the nature of making a will, have a general idea of what he/she possesses, and know who are members of the immediate family or other "natural objects of his/her bounty".
Testamentary capacity requires ability on the part of the testator to understand and carry in mind, in general way, the nature and situation of his property and his relations to those persons who would naturally have some claim to his remembrance. It requires freedom from delusion which is the effect of disease or weakness and which might influence the disposition of his property. Also, it requires ability at the time of execution of the alleged will to comprehend the nature of the act of making a will.
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