How can a will be effectively revoked?

The correct answer, which states that a will can be effectively revoked through a subsequent will, physical destruction, or signed revocation, is well-grounded in will and estate law principles.

A subsequent will serves as a formal means for the testator to express their latest wishes regarding the distribution of their estate. When a new will is executed, it typically revokes any previous wills, assuming the intent to revoke is clear. Physical destruction of the will, such as tearing it up or burning it, indicates the testator's intention to revoke that will, and as long as this action is done with the intent to revoke, it is legally sufficient. Likewise, a signed revocation document, which explicitly states the intention to revoke the earlier will, clearly communicates the testator's wishes and is recognized as a valid method of revocation.

In contrast, other approaches mentioned in the options do not meet the legal requirements for revocation. An informal note lacks the formalities associated with a valid will, making it unreliable. Verbal expressions alone do not create a legally binding revocation, as wills generally require written documentation. Likewise, a court order alone does not serve to revoke a will unless it is performed in conjunction with proper legal proceedings addressing the validity of