testamentary capacity

The legal and mental capacity to make a valid will. Generally, the testator must be aware of the extent and value of his property and the individual(s) who are the natural objects of his bounty; and that he is disposing of his property by the will. Usually, the capacity to execute a valid will requires less legal and mental capacity than required to execute a contract, since a "temporary period of lucidity" or a "lucid moment" has been found by some courts to constitute adequate capacity.