Halacha:

Beit Din,  Choshen Mishpat,  Inheritance,  Kibud Av v'Aim,  Minhagim,  Shtarot 

References: Shulchan Aruch: ,  Rambam: ,  K'tzos: ,  Nesivos: ,  Rashba: ,  Ramban: ,  Chazon Ish: ,  Rabbi Akiva Eiger: ,  Igrot Moshe: ,  Remah: ,  Rosh:  

Description

The practical importance of this topic for the Torah-observant community is noted at the end of the essay. The purpose of the essay is to examine the halakhic arguments pro and con for preparing a civil will- Addressing this topic we analyze the approach of Maharsham, R. Feinstein and R. Soloveitchik who contend that a secular will ought to be validated based upon the notion of the effectiveness of gemirat da'at of the morish, the testator without the need to execute kinyan. We then examine whether minhag, prevailing practice, dina demalkhuta dina [ civil law], mitzva lekayeim divrei ha-met [ respecting a deceased wishes] and kib'ud/morah av[ honoring and respecting a father's wishes] may serve as avenues for recognizing a secular will.