---
title: O.C.G.A. § 53-4-12. Freedom of volition.
collection: code
id: 53-4-12
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 53-4-12 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-12
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-12.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/53-4-12/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t52-t53-(v40)-2021-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=d23ba203_0#page=351
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: WILLS, TRUSTS, AND ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES / WILLS / TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY
---

# O.C.G.A. § 53-4-12. Freedom of volition.

A will must be freely and voluntarily executed. A will is not valid if anything destroys the testator’s freedom of volition, such as fraudulent practices upon the testator’s fears, affections, or sympathies; misrepresentation; duress; or undue influence whereby the will of another is substituted for the wishes of the testator.

## History

Code 1981, § 53-4-12, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 504, § 10.

## Law Reviews

For survey article on wills, trusts, guardianships, and fiduciary administration for the period from June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003, see 55 Mercer L. Rev. 459 (2003). For annual survey of law of wills, trusts, guardianships, and fiduciary administration, see 56 Mercer L. Rev. 457 (2004). For survey article on wills, trusts, guardianships, and fiduciary administration, see 59 Mercer L. Rev. 447 (2007).

For comment on Ehlers v. Rheinberger, 204 Ga. 226, 49 S.E.2d 535 (1948), see 11 Ga. B.J. 348 (1949).