The Will-ful Departure

If you’re reading this, then congratulations! You made it through the Silly Season alive. You dodged the carnage on the roads, your liver has finally recovered sufficiently to see another year in, and your stomach escaped intact, if not unscathed, after suffering through yet another notorious Christmas lunch. Let us spare a thought, though, for the families of those who lost loved ones over this period. May their pain ease with time, and may their thoughts be filled with happy memories of the ones they lost.

Death is not always something we want to think about. But think about we must if we are to address the important matter of our Will. No, not the will, or lack thereof when you were offered a third helping of mom’s Christmas pudding and custard. We’re talking about you and your possessions, until death do you part. Death is an inevitable, albeit undesirable, consequence of life. And a Will can mean the difference between calm and order at the time of your death, or complete chaos. Constructing a Will when you are of sound mind and able is extremely important. This will help ensure that your wishes are followed through and your possessions are distributed the way you want.

Without a Will, your loved ones will be left with the decisions, which could be extremely hard for them following your death, and can potentially give rise to conflict. When you die without a Will your possessions are distributed according to the laws of intestate succession. The ramifications are multiplied if you have children: a minor child’s inheritance has to be deposited into the state-run Guardian’s Fund until the age of 18. Creating your Will now will give you the peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones do not have to worry about what to do with your possessions and your wishes will be followed according to plan.

Do I need a Lawyer?

A lawyer can construct your Will according to your wishes. Bearing in mind that there is a fee attached, so find out what you’ll be in for before you give the go-ahead. You do not necessarily need a lawyer, but this will depend on the complexity of your Will. If you have a very straightforward estate, then an attorney should not be necessary. Templates of Wills are readily available, including here on Agreements Online. However, if your Will is complex then it would be prudent to consult an attorney to ensure that everything is detailed appropriately and no mistakes are made.

How much does it cost?

The cost of getting a lawyer to draft your Last Will and Testament will depend on the type of Will and how complex your estate and affairs are. Typically, this charge is based on the amount of time needed to construct the Will.

Financial advisors, insurance companies and banks offer Will-drafting services, and are often willing to draft the Will at no or minimal fee. However, true to the adage that “nothing is for nothing”, their no-fee or low-fee policy is invariably because they insist on being nominated as the executor in the Will, which can earn them a tidy executor’s fee from your estate when you die.

Or you can purchase a template of a Will which you can complete yourself. The cost will depend on the supplier you get it from.

What should I include in my Will?

Your Will should include a variety of things, including:

• identification of an executor
• reference to assets (property, cash, shares, businesses)
• specifics on which assets should go to which person by way of a bequest
• identification of who your heirs are, being the person / people that would inherit the residue of your estate once all bequests have been distributed, and if there are more than one heirs, specify the percentage share that each gets.

Who are Executors?
Executors are people you appoint to take care of the specifics of your Will. They make sure the beneficiaries and heirs you have named get the possessions as you have instructed in your Will. Executors are also responsible for paying any bills, dealing with any outstanding obligations, and ensuring everything goes according to your wishes.

What are the Requirements for a valid Will?
In order for a Will to be valid, there are certain requirements that must be met. Generally, the following should be considered when you are drafting your Will:

Once I Have Created My Will, Where Should I Keep It?

Your Will should be kept in a safe place, secure from damage. You could keep it with your lawyer, in a safety deposit box, or in a fire-proof safe in your home. The important thing is to keep it safe and protected from potential harm.

How Often Should I Change My Will?

The only thing that’s constant is change. As time goes by, changes in your life may have an impact on your Will. The big-ticket items are getting married, having children, the death of anyone named in your Will, and divorce, to name a few. So it would be a good idea to review your Will regularly to make sure you’re still happy with it. Divorce is a particularly sticky one. According to the Wills Act, a bequest to your spouse is deemed revoked if you die within three months of the divorce. But if you die before the divorce is finalised, or after the three month window, your ex will inherit! If the thought of this is enough to make you turn in your proverbial grave, then the best time to review your Will in the event of a divorce is immediately when the decision to get divorced is made.

In Summary: Death is a natural part of life. To avoid the potential chaos and conflict upon your death, make sure you have completed a Will. And review it regularly, specifically when your personal circumstances change.

Please note that this information is supplied for general information and does not constitute legal advice. It is advisable for you to contact a legal practitioner for guidance in respect of your unique requirements.