What effect does divorce have on a will regarding provisions for the former spouse?

Divorce typically has a significant impact on a will, specifically concerning provisions that benefit a former spouse. In many jurisdictions, including Georgia, a divorce automatically revokes any will provisions that were made in favor of the ex-spouse. This legal principle is implemented to reflect the change in the relationship status and the presumed intent of the testator, which is now to exclude the former spouse from receiving benefits upon their death.

The rationale behind this rule is based on the belief that one would not want a former partner to inherit or benefit from their estate after the marriage has ended. Therefore, it is important for individuals who are divorced to revisit and possibly amend their wills to reflect their current wishes regarding the distribution of their assets.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the effect of divorce on a will. For instance, the idea that divorce reinforces existing provisions or does not affect the will contradicts the general legal understanding regarding the revocation of provisions for an ex-spouse. The notion that divorce automatically creates a new will is also incorrect, as the existence of a will is separate from the marital status of the testator. Hence, confirming that divorce revokes provisions favoring a former spouse aligns with the established legal framework in this context.