What is a Will?

According to The Wills Act 1959

“will” means a declaration intended to have legal effect of the intentions of a testator with respect to his property or other matters which he desires to be carried into effect after his death and includes a testament, a codicil and an appointment by will or by writing in the nature of a will in exercise of a power and also a disposition by will or testament of the guardianship, custody and tuition of any child.

In plain English a Will is –
a declaration by a will maker of his intentions on his death for

  • the distribution of the will maker’s property, assets or other matters; and
  • his intentions on the guardianship of any child of the will maker.

If you have been thinking of writing a Will but think you don’t have much property or assets or cannot decide how to divide your property and assets please note that a Will is also for you to name a guardian for your child.

Is the guardianship and upbringing of your child not important enough for writing a Will sooner rather than later?