§ 524.2-503 — Harmless Error
Plain-Language Summary
Minnesota's 'harmless error' rule allows a court to treat a document as a valid will even if it was not signed or witnessed exactly as required, as long as there is clear and convincing evidence that the person intended the document to be their will. This applies to documents executed on or after March 13, 2020.
524.2-503 HARMLESS ERROR.
(a) If a document or writing added upon a document was not executed in compliance with section 524.2-502, the document or writing is treated as if it had been executed in compliance with section 524.2-502 if the proponent of the document or writing establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the decedent intended the document or writing to constitute:
(1) the decedent’s will;
(2) a partial or complete revocation of the will;
(3) an addition to or an alteration of the will; or
(4) a partial or complete revival of the decedent’s formerly revoked will or of a formerly revoked portion of the will.
(b) This section applies to documents and writings executed on or after March 13, 2020.
History:
2020 c 74 art 1 s 2; 1Sp2021 c 11 art 3 s 27
History: History: 2020 c 74 art 1 s 2; 1Sp2021 c 11 art 3 s 27