Manuel has three children, two daughters and a step-son. He first drafted a will five years ago that left all his property to his two daughters. A second will left all his property to his second wife, Allison. A third will left all his property to Allison, his two daughters and his stepson. Manuel dies.

Deborah executed her will in 1995, naming her son, Aidan, the executor and principal beneficiary of any personal property except that designated by a list of bequests contained in a notebook. Aidan had never seen his mother with this notebook; however, he was generally aware of who she wanted to leave her property to. Her will left any real property to her sisters, Dawn and Lynne. However, Deborah had developed a friendship with one of her tennis partners, Everett. She wanted to leave him her tennis memorabilia. In late summer, right before the U.S. Open, Deborah caught pneumonia and spent several days in the hospital. During her stay, one of the nurses brought her a notebook so she could record her bequest to Everett. Two days later, Deborah died. Although Aidan received the notebook from the hospital, he refused to give Everett the items.

Bo and his wife, Vicky, started a business that makes parts for cars in suburban Toledo, OH, 30 years ago. At the time, they were fresh out of high school. Many of the employees who started with them still work for them today. To show their appreciation for their employees' loyalty, each will bequeathed $500 to each person employed in the business at the time of either one's death. This type of bequest is valid.