When revoking a will by writing, what formalities are required?

• A. The writing must clearly indicate an intention to revoke and be executed with the same formalities as a will.
• B. The writing only needs the testator's signature.
• C. The writing can be any informal note with witnesses.
• D. The testator must appear before a notary.

Answer: (A)

To revoke a will by writing, the document must clearly express the testator’s intention to revoke and be executed with the same formalities as a will. This means the revoking instrument should be in writing, signed by the testator, and created with the testamentary formalities (such as proper witnessing) so that the revocation is clearly intentional and legally recognized. Simply signing a note or using an informal document without meeting those formalities isn’t enough to effect a valid revocation, and a notary alone isn’t required for revocation. The requirement to mirror the will’s formalities prevents accidental or ambiguous revocations and provides a clear, legally enforceable act of revocation.