What does "ademption clause" signify in a will?

An ademption clause in a will signifies that a specific legacy or gift made to a beneficiary has been revoked or canceled by the testator, often due to the fact that the item bequeathed is no longer part of the estate at the time of death. This could happen if the testator sold, gifted, or otherwise disposed of the asset before passing away. In essence, ademption reflects the principle that a testator's intentions are honored only if the items mentioned in the will are available at the time of their death.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts within estate planning and wills. Witness requirements relate to the formalities needed to validly execute a will. An order for asset distribution pertains to how the estate is settled after death, potentially involving various processes beyond what an ademption clause addresses. The binding of all heirs simply refers to their legal obligations concerning the distribution of the estate, which is not specifically tied to ademption. Understanding ademption is crucial as it impacts the ability of beneficiaries to receive their intended gifts from the estate.