Can a Verbal Promise Override a Written Will?

Watson Goepel LLP
By Ryan Chew & Janet De Vita
April 23rd, 2025

While a verbal promise generally won’t override a written will, there are a few specific situations where such promises could potentially carry legal weight…

When it comes to estate planning, most people think that their written will is the ultimate authority on how their property and assets will be distributed after they pass away. After all, a will is a legal document that outlines a person’s final wishes, right?

So, can a verbal promise really override the terms of a written will?

This question often arises in family discussions or disputes, and it can create confusion and tension. Let’s break down the relationship between verbal promises and written wills from a legal perspective and explore what happens when the two come into conflict.

Discover whether a verbal promise can legally override a written will. Ryan Chew and Janet De Vita —at Watson Goepel in Vancouver, BC, Canada— explain the implications for estate planning…