Completely lacking in legal force or effect from inception; null and unenforceable as if it never existed. A void document, will, or transaction is invalid ab initio (from the beginning) and cannot be validated or ratified, regardless of subsequent events or parties' intentions.
Void means legally worthless—as if it never existed. A void will, contract, or gift has absolutely no legal effect and can't be fixed or enforced, period. It's dead from the start.
⏱ When you'll encounter this term
- Wills that fail to meet statutory requirements
- Contracts made under duress or fraud
- Gifts or bequests to witnesses (in many jurisdictions)
- Documents executed without capacity
"Dad's handwritten will named his friend as a beneficiary and had that same friend sign as a witness. In our state, gifts to witnesses are void—completely invalid. The friend got nothing; that gift was void from the moment the will was signed."
⚖️ Compare: Void vs Voidable
Automatically invalid. No legal effect ever. Cannot be ratified. Dead from inception.
Valid until challenged. Can be ratified. Party may choose to void it. Effective unless voided.
💡 Did you know?
Many states have laws making gifts to will witnesses void to prevent conflicts of interest. If your will leaves property to someone who then signs as a witness, that gift is typically void—though the rest of the will remains valid if there are enough other witnesses.