A no-contest or in terrorem clause in a will or a trust typically makes the gifts in the instrument conditional on the beneficiary not challenging or disputing the validity of the instrument. The term in terrorem, as applied to wills, refers to a gift given on the condition that the beneficiary will not dispute the validity or disposition of the will.

In terrorem clauses are designed to dissuade beneficiaries from filing vexatious litigation that might thwart the intent of the testator (person who made the will) or the grantor or settlor (person who created the trust).

In terrorem clauses allow the intent of the testator to be given full effect and avoid vexatious litigation—often among members of the same family. If the intention of a suit is to thwart the settlor's intention, the in terrorem clause should be enforced. Laws vary from state to state but a violation of the in terrorem clause will usually be found only when the acts of the parties clearly fall within its express terms. Thus, many courts narrowly construe in terrorem clauses to avoid forfeiture, while also fulfilling the settlor's intent.

And some courts have held that filing suit to determine a testator's intent, or to ascertain a beneficiary's interest under a will, is not a suit intended to dispute the validity of the will. A suit brought in good faith and upon probable cause, to ascertain the real purpose and intention of the testator and to then enforce such purpose and intention, is not an effort to vary the purpose and intention of the will.

These courts reason that a motion to contest a will is, like any other motion, merely a pleading that is the necessary vehicle by which the movant raises issues for resolution. A motion is not self-proving. If the mere filing of a motion to contest a will is a contest of the will, this would be inconsistent with the legal significance of a motion.

In states whose courts follow this reasoning, unless some further action is taken to thwart the intention of the testator, the mere filing of a contest motion is insufficient to cause a forfeiture under an in terrorem clause.

In Rhode Island, an in terrorem or no-contest clause in a will or trust is a provision that penalizes beneficiaries if they challenge the validity of the document. These clauses are intended to prevent frivolous or vexatious litigation that could undermine the wishes of the person who created the will (testator) or trust (settlor). Rhode Island courts may enforce in terrorem clauses to uphold the intent of the testator or settlor, but they also tend to interpret these clauses narrowly to avoid unjust forfeiture of a beneficiary's interest. While the state's specific approach to in terrorem clauses is not detailed here, it is common for courts to consider whether a challenge to a will or trust is made in good faith and with probable cause. If a beneficiary is seeking to understand or enforce the true intent of the testator or settlor rather than to dispute the validity of the document, the action may not trigger the in terrorem clause. The mere act of filing a motion to contest a will is not necessarily considered a contest; it is the substance and intent behind the motion that are critical. An attorney can provide specific guidance on how these clauses are likely to be interpreted and enforced in Rhode Island.