A Will is a written document where you can make personal wishes and instructions official, so as to ensure they are carried out upon your demise. The manner in which you want your assets (including cash, properties, belongings etc.) distributed is made clear in a Will.

Writing a Will is highly favorable because:

1. It is the only official way to clearly state how you wish your asset-distribution to occur
2. If you have minor children, a guardian of your choice will look after them
3. You will be minimizing any possible conflicts between family and friends over your assets
4. The administrative process of your asset-distribution will be sped up

A Will is considered a valid document when the conditions below are satisfied.

1. The testator* is at least 18 years old and mentally sound.
2. The Will must be in writing and signed by the testator.
3. At least 2 witnesses have to be present during the signing of the Will.

*The testator is the person writing the Will.

The testator gives the responsibility of administering his/her last Will and Testament to the executor. In cases where the testator has not appointed an executor, the court chooses the executor. An executor also acts as a trustee and he/she holds all of the testator’s assets on trust for the respective beneficiaries stated in the testator’s Will.

The executor you decide to appoint has to be at least 18 years old and mentally sound. In the event that the executor is unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities after your demise, it is recommended to appoint substitute executor. Your executor can be a beneficiary in your Will or even a third party. In the situation where a dispute regarding your Will is likely, it is recommended that your executor is a third party.

Any person who is at least 18 years old, mentally sound and not a beneficiary/spouse of beneficiary can be your witness during the signing of your Will. In the situation that a beneficiary/spouse of beneficiary acts as witness, he/she will not be eligible to benefit from your Will.

This will result in your estate being distributed according to the law of your country. This law will then decide how your assets will be distributed which may not be according to your desire. In most cases, the assets of an individual who dies intestate will be distributed between his/her direct family, however, the exact details vary from country to country. Furthermore, the distribution of your assets becomes a lengthy and highly time-consuming process if you die intestate.

Inside your insurance policies, if you have made nominations, then your Will does not override or nullify these nominations. Upon your demise, the benefits payable under your insurance policies will be administered to your nominee(s).

You should store your Will in a safe place. Furthermore, you should notify your executors of where you have stored your Will so that they can access it in the event of your demise. You could also seek a Will depository service.

It is completely up to you whether you want to do so. If you wish to not do so, it is crucial for them to be aware of the Will’s location.

No. In order to make your Will valid, you have to print a physical copy of your Will and then sign it in front of your witnesses.