Will: Difference between revisions
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{{trope}} |
{{trope}} |
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'''<big>I, the undersigned, being of sound mind, do hereby bequeath ...</big>''' |
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Wills combine death and the prospect of riches, making them potent plot devices. People will commit crimes to get in the will, or comply with [[On One Condition|bizarre conditions]], but some are lucky enough to receive a massive inheritance [[Unexpected Inheritance|out of the blue.]] |
Wills combine death and the prospect of riches, making them potent plot devices. People will commit crimes to get in the will, or comply with [[On One Condition|bizarre conditions]], but some are lucky enough to receive a massive inheritance [[Unexpected Inheritance|out of the blue.]] |
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'''<big>Writing the will</big>''' |
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The fun starts before the will writer's death, with the decision about who gets what. Since they can keep changing their mind, there is ample opportunity for coercion, both by them and of them, and there may be several versions of the will floating around. |
The fun starts before the will writer's death, with the decision about who gets what. Since they can keep changing their mind, there is ample opportunity for coercion, both by them and of them, and there may be several versions of the will floating around. |
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Once they're in the will, the villain then usually kills the will writer, before they can revoke the will. A [[Black Widow]] specialises in this crime. |
Once they're in the will, the villain then usually kills the will writer, before they can revoke the will. A [[Black Widow]] specialises in this crime. |
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'''<big>Finding the will.</big>''' |
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Sometimes, everyone knows where the will is, and they can get straight on with reading it. Other time, it is hidden, accidentally or on purpose. It might have been posted to Outer Mongolia by mistake, or it might have been hidden to keep the villains from realising that the will in their favour had been revoked. There is usually a deadline the will has to be found by. |
Sometimes, everyone knows where the will is, and they can get straight on with reading it. Other time, it is hidden, accidentally or on purpose. It might have been posted to Outer Mongolia by mistake, or it might have been hidden to keep the villains from realising that the will in their favour had been revoked. There is usually a deadline the will has to be found by. |
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If the plot is about the hunt for the will, it's a [[McGuffin]] will. |
If the plot is about the hunt for the will, it's a [[McGuffin]] will. |
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'''<big>Reading the will</big>''' |
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Traditionally, everyone involved gathered in the lawyer's office, and listened to the will being read out, but these days [[Video Will|video wills]] are increasingly common. Small bequests come first, with the most dramatic revelations at the end. Either way, it gives the dearly departed a chance to speak from beyond the grave. |
Traditionally, everyone involved gathered in the lawyer's office, and listened to the will being read out, but these days [[Video Will|video wills]] are increasingly common. Small bequests come first, with the most dramatic revelations at the end. Either way, it gives the dearly departed a chance to speak from beyond the grave. |
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For the most part, the reading of the will is a case of [[Artistic License: Law]], rather than [[Truth in Television]]. In [[Real Life]], the only people who actually see the will (after death) are the lawyer, the executor/administrator/commissioner of the estate, and the probate court. A beneficiary ''does'' have the right to see the will, but he must specifically request it. |
For the most part, the reading of the will is a case of [[Artistic License: Law]], rather than [[Truth in Television]]. In [[Real Life]], the only people who actually see the will (after death) are the lawyer, the executor/administrator/commissioner of the estate, and the probate court. A beneficiary ''does'' have the right to see the will, but he must specifically request it. |
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'''<big>Challenging the will</big>''' |
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There are various ways of getting a will thrown out. The disappointed heir could look for a later will, which means going back to finding the will. |
There are various ways of getting a will thrown out. The disappointed heir could look for a later will, which means going back to finding the will. |
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{{examples}} |
{{examples}} |
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== [[Advertising]] == |
== [[Advertising]] == |
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* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnHUI43FoRU This commercial] for DirecTV. Well, at least Chauncey won't have to pay inheritance taxes. |
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnHUI43FoRU This commercial] for DirecTV. Well, at least Chauncey won't have to pay inheritance taxes. |
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