What is the effect of admitting a will to probate on capacity challenges?

• A. The will is prima facie valid; challengers must prove lack of capacity.
• B. The will is conclusively valid.
• C. The court cannot hear any challenge.
• D. The capacity must be determined solely by the will.

Answer: (A)

When a will is admitted to probate, it receives a prima facie presumption of validity. This means the document is presumed valid and enforceable, and the burden shifts to challengers to prove lack of testamentary capacity at the time the will was made. Testamentary capacity typically requires the testator to understand the nature of the act, know the nature and extent of their property, and recognize the natural objects of their bounty, among other factors. The admission to probate does not make the will conclusively valid; rather, it allows the court to evaluate evidence showing whether capacity defects existed. So the best choice reflects that the will is prima facie valid and challengers must prove lack of capacity.