What is the legal principle behind dependent relative revocation?

Dependent relative revocation is a legal principle that applies in the context of wills and revocations. This principle operates under the premise that a testator intends to revoke a will only if a valid successor will is simultaneously created. If the new will fails for any reason—such as not adhering to the required formalities or lacking testamentary intent—the original will may be reinstated. This principle recognizes the testator's true intentions regarding their estate planning, aiming to preserve their wishes even when the new will doesn't function as intended.

The principle emphasizes the relationship between the revocation of the first will and the conditional nature of the execution of the new will. If the new will does not stand, the rationale is that it is as if the testator never intended to revoke the original will. Thus, reinstating the revoked will aligns with the presumed intent of the testator to provide for their estate consistently.

The focus of the other options does not align with the fundamental principle of dependent relative revocation. While having a revocation clause may be important for clarity in a will, it is not a requirement for dependent relative revocation. Similarly, a new will does not always need an explicit statement for its execution to imply the revocation of an earlier will. The