Why Have a Will?

DECIDE WHO YOU WISH TO LEAVE YOUR GENERAL ESTATE TO

This could be your spouse, children, a Trust, family member, or all of the above.

For example, “I wish to bequeath my Estate to my spouse and children equally.”

IS THERE SOMETHING SPECIFIC YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE TO SOMEONE SPECIFIC?

Consider if apart from your general estate, there may be something specific you wish to bequeath to someone or an entity, such as a property, jewellery or cash.

For example, “I wish to bequest my property, ERF245 7 Cassa Brook, Galloway Road, Douglasdale, to my spouse.”

CREATE A TESTAMENTARY TRUST TO PROTECT THE INHERITANCES OF YOUR CHILDREN

It is advisable that you create a Testamentary Trust in terms of your Will to protect the inheritances of children that may be under the age of 18. If this is the case, you must decide the optimum age for the Trust to terminate and your child or children allowed full control of their inheritance.

NOMINATE A GUARDIAN TO LOOK AFTER MINOR CHILDREN

Where you have minor children, you should nominate guardian(s) to care for them should you both, as the natural guardians, pass away. In addition, you will need to nominate the Trustees to their Testamentary Trusts.

CONSIDER AND DECIDE ON THE FOLLOWING:

• Do you wish to be buried or cremated?
• Do you have any other last wishes for your remains?
• Do you wish to be an organ donor?
• Do you wish to have a Living Will?

WHO SHOULD BE THE EXECUTOR OF YOUR ESTATE?

You need to appoint an Executor or joint Executors to wind-up your deceased Estate in terms of your Will.