Individuals have various reasons for planning an estate, including preserving family wealth, providing for surviving spouses and children, funding children and/or grandchildren’s education, or leaving their legacy behind to a charitable cause. The most basic step in estate planning involves writing a Will.


Will writing checklist

1.0 TESTATOR (PERSON WRITING/MAKING A WILL)
1.1 Full names and any aliases,( names as they appear on Birth Certificate
1.2 Identity particulars ID Number and DOB, address and residency of testator.
1.3 Name of  spouse(s) and the type of the marriage


2.0 ASSETS
2.1 The personal financial position, assets, insurance policies, etc.
2.2 List all  assets-houses/stands/land/farm/shares /businesses/vehicles etc(indicate if the immovable assets that have title deeds)


3.0 Beneficiaries
Legacies

3.1 The full names of the legatees and their relationship to the testator.

Heirs
3.2 The correct names and marital status of heirs and their relationship to the testator.
3.3 Whether they are to benefit equally or fractionally.


4.0 Executors and administrators
4.1 The full names of nominees and their descriptions (e.g. AB, a legal practitioner practising in partnership in the firm of AB & C).
4.2 The names of substitutes if the nominee fails.

5.0 Beaquests
5.1 It must be clear, to whom a specific property is being awarded


6.0 Any special conditions
6.1 Indicate whether there are any conditions attached to the inheritance.


Making a Will enables a person to control how their property will be distributed after they die. It is vital that a Will should be drafted properly and promptly. The Checklist above will assist in drawing up a Will.


For any inquiries relating to Conveyancing & Estates in Zimbabwe, kindly get hold of our Conveyancing & Estates Practice Group on info@mmmlawfirm.co.zw