What does a no-contest clause in a will do?

A no-contest clause in a will serves the purpose of deterring beneficiaries from challenging the validity of the will or any of its provisions. If a beneficiary does decide to contest the will, the no-contest clause stipulates that they may forfeit their interest in the estate, which is essentially a way to protect the testator's wishes from being legally disputed. This clause acts as a strong disincentive for beneficiaries to engage in litigation, as they risk losing their inheritance entirely if they proceed with a contest.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of a no-contest clause. For instance, it does not encourage amicable divisions since the clause itself is more about discouraging disputes through the threat of forfeiture. It also does not prevent changes to the will or facilitate easy amendments. Those aspects pertain to different legal constructs regarding wills and not specifically tied to the purpose of a no-contest clause.