We have just ended National Wills Week and hopefully achieved a much needed awareness of the importance of having a will in place. Even more importantly, to ensure that your will is valid……

An invalid will can lead to unnecessary delays and costs when it comes to winding up your estate. The problem worsens as frustrated beneficiaries and angry members of the family have to deal with the lengthy process of dying “Intestate.” That is without a valid will. Executing an estate is so much easier if the will is prepared properly.

Here are some important points to ensure that your will is valid.

1. You must be 16 years or older and mentally capable to make a valid will.
2. You must sign your will at the end of the document. If it consists of more than page then it should be signed at the end of each page.
3. You should sign your will in the presence of two witnesses over the age of 14 who are competent to give evidence in a court of law.
4. The witnesses must not be benefit in terms of the will. So they may not be beneficiaries, executors or trustees.
5. The witnesses must sign the will in the presence of you and each other.
6. The will must be dated to ensure that the executor of your estate has a clear understanding of the latest will.

The time that it takes to ensure that you have a valid will is minuscule compared to the time and effort it takes to wind up an estate without a valid will.

Make sure that your will is valid. Your beneficiaries depend on it….