North Carolina § 31-5 - 1. Revocation of written will.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 31-5 — 1. Revocation of written will., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-5. 1. Revocation of written will.
A written will, or any part thereof, may be revoked only By a subsequent written will or codicil or other revocatory writing executed in the manner provided herein for the execution of written wills, or By being burnt, torn, canceled, obliterated, or destroyed, with the intent and for the purpose of revoking it, by the testator himself or by another person in the testator's presence and by the testator's direction. History (1784, c. 204, s. 14; 1819, c. 1004, ss. 1, 2; 1840, c. 62; R.C., c. 119, s. 22; Code, s. 2176; Rev., s. 3115; C.S., s. 4133; 1945, c. 140; 1953, c. 1098, s. 3; 2011-344, s. 8.) Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2011-344, s. 8, effective January 1, 2012, and applicable to estates of decedents dying on or after that date, substituted "the testator's presence and by the testator's direction" for "his presence and by his direction" in subdivision (2).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 31-5
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 31-5 cover?
Section 31-5 ("1. Revocation of written will.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 31-5?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 31-5" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 31-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.