Which term denotes the legal right to bring a lawsuit based on a direct interest?

• A. Verified complaint
• B. Standing
• C. Nuncupative will
• D. Elective share

Answer: (B)

The concept tested is standing—the legal right to sue based on a direct interest. Standing requires a concrete, direct stake in the outcome or a legally protected interest affected by the matter. In probate or estate disputes, those with standing include heirs, devisees, creditors, and executors or administrators who would be affected by the estate’s actions or outcomes. This ensures the courts hear disputes where there is a real controversy and a genuine party harmed or directly interested.

The other terms refer to different ideas: a verified complaint is a sworn-to complaint; a nuncupative will is an oral will; an elective share is a statutory right for a surviving spouse to claim a portion of the estate. They don’t describe the right to sue based on a direct interest, which is why standing is the correct term.