10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WRITE A WILL -P. D. Pius & Simi Pam

Do you know what a will is? Let’s simply it for you.
A Will is a legally-binding document that allow you to decide how your estate is distributed or shared or who inherits you when you die. It is also used to provide for burial arrangements or how you should be buried. Do you want expensive burial, lest expensive burial or do you want some rites or whatever you want in your burial, a Will takes care of it. Having a Will also makes things much easier for the loved ones you leave behind, and minimises the chance of disputes at an already stressful time.

Here are 10 simple reasons why you should consider writing a will. Number 3 will surprise you.

1. A will clearly spells out what happens to your properties, houses, cars, bank accounts after your death.
Writing a Will is the only way you can choose who you want your property, money and possessions (known as your estate) to be passed on to.

2. A will helps you to decide who will look after your children. A Will allows you to make an informed decision about who should take care of your minor children (children below the age of majority). Without a Will, the court will take it upon itself to choose among family members or a state-appointed guardian. No one will want to allow his children to be shared or distributed like clothes.
Having a Will allows you to appoint the person you want to raise your children or, better still, make sure it is not someone you do not want to raise your children especially now that there are a lot of distrust amongst people.

3. You can use a Will to make donation to your church, mosque, charity organizations or anyone who you feel you want to assist when you die. I tell people that you don’t need money after death. So why can’t you use Will to share your money whenever you die. Note that a Will does not take effect until you die.

4. Avoid a lengthy and costly probate/confirmation.
Having a Will speeds up the probate process (or confirmation process in Nigeria) and informs the court how you will like your estate divided. Probate courts serve the purpose of ‘administering your estate’, and when you die without a Will (also known as dying ‘intestate’), the court will decide how to divide your estate without your input, which can also cause long, unnecessary delays.

5. A Will allows you to Choose your own executors. Making a Will allows you to decide who will wind up the affairs of your estate. Executors make sure all your affairs are in order, including paying off bills, debts, canceling your credit cards, closing your bank account, your social media accounts and notifying the bank and other business establishments immediately you die. A lawyer who is vast in Estate management and will is most suited for this task. Because executors play the biggest role in the administration of your estate, you will want to be sure to appoint someone who is honest, trustworthy, and organised (which may or may not always be a family member). Preferably, someone younger than you, since it is expected the young will survive the old.

6. It is easier, and more affordable than you might think. Some people put off writing a Will because they think it is too much hassle, or too expensive. Thankfully, it is neither of those things.
With the help of a solicitor or lawyer you can write a Will in confidence. The cost of writing a Will varies depending on its complexity, with solicitors charging accordingly. It can be as cheap as N25,000 or as high as 1 billion Naira depending on the value of your assets or the practice of the lawyer.

7. Let your legacy live on when you are gone.
When it comes to estate planning, a Will can serve as a powerful tool for leaving a lasting legacy. One way to do so is by including specific gifts and donations in your Will, which can be a meaningful way to ensure that your name and memory live on. By making these gifts, you have the ability to reflect your personal values and interests, leaving behind something truly special for those who come after you. You can devolve part of your money for scholarship, endowment fund, research fund, school feeding, football tournament in your memory etc

8.You can change your mind if circumstances change. You can cancel the will at anytime. You can change the content or amend it through what is called codicil. A lawyer can always guide you on this. As long as you are alive, the Will is not Final, you can change it.

9. Tomorrow is not promised.
Procrastination and the unwillingness to accept death as part of life are common reasons for not having a Will. Sometimes the realisation that Wills are necessary comes too late – such as when an unexpected death or health issue occurs. To avoid the added stress on families during an already emotional time, making a Will or updating an existing Will can give you peace of mind for the future and save your family and loved ones the stress of deciding what to do with your properties. You can avoid the problem of culture that segregate female children from inheritance or segregate children born out of wedlock etc.

10. Creating a Will is incredibly simple and safe. It is safe because it is an exercise between you and your lawyer only. No other person is supposed to know. Your lawyer has professional duty not to tell anyone the content of your Will until you die.

Thank you for reading 🙏. If you have questions, feel free to drop comments or contact us for clarification.

P. D. Pius, Esq & Simi Pam

piusdanba@gmail.com