How does undue influence affect the validity of a will?

Undue influence can significantly affect the validity of a will because it challenges the testator's ability to make free and voluntary decisions regarding their estate. When undue influence is present, it suggests that the testator was manipulated or coerced by another person to create a will that does not reflect their genuine intentions. This lack of voluntariness can lead a court to determine that the will is not valid.

In legal terms, for a will to be valid, the testator must have the capacity to make decisions freely, without external pressure. If undue influence is established, the will may be considered invalid as it fails to meet this essential requirement. Therefore, when assessing the validity of a will, the presence of undue influence may lead to its annulment, affirming that both the intent and the freedom of the testator are critical for a will's legitimacy.