dependent relevant revocation (DRR)

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Dependent relevant revocation (DRR - also known as ineffective revocation) is a doctrine in estates and trusts law.

DRR renders the revocation of a previous will invalid if the testator did so by executing a new will, and that newly executed will is determined to be invalid. In other words, the previous will is revived when the new will that revoked the former will is judged to be invalid. Without DRR, both wills would be invalid and the testator's property would pass through intestacy

The theory behind dependent relevant revocation (DRR) is that the testator revoked the first will only on the condition that the second will was valid. The DRR doctrine is predicated on two tenets:

  1. The decedent did not want to pass away without a will, and
  2. The decedent revoked the prior will under the condition that the new will be valid.

[Last updated in October of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]