Integration

The integration rule states that any documents that are physically present when a will is executed and are intended to be part of that will are considered integrated into it. This means that the intent to include those documents can be demonstrated through their physical connection or how well they fit together in terms of content.

During the signing of her will, Sarah placed a handwritten note detailing her wishes for the distribution of her jewelry alongside the will. Since the note was present at the execution and clearly intended to be part of her estate plan, it is integrated into the will. Therefore, the note's instructions will be honored as part of her final wishes.

If it's present and intended, it's part of the will!

Exams may present scenarios where documents are found after the will's execution, leading students to mistakenly believe those documents can be integrated. Students must remember that only documents present at execution can be considered.

Questions often involve fact patterns where multiple documents are present at the will's signing, testing the candidate's ability to identify which documents are integrated based on intent and physical presence.