19/09/2025
What to Prepare Before Having Your Will Drafted
Preparing the right information beforehand makes the process smoother and ensures that your wishes are clearly documented. Use this checklist as a guide:
1. Personal Information
-Full legal names, ID/passport numbers, marital status.
-Details of your spouse/partner and dependents (children, stepchildren, or anyone financially reliant on you).
2. Executor Choice
-Decide who should administer your estate (professional, trusted family member, or both).
-Be aware of the fees an executor is entitled to charge.
3. Beneficiaries
-List beneficiaries with full names and ID numbers.
-Consider alternatives in case a beneficiary predeceases you.
-Decide whether to leave specific bequests (e.g., jewellery, furniture, money).
-Plan for your residuary estate (everything not specifically mentioned).
4. Guardianship for Minor Children (if applicable)
-Nominate a guardian to care for your children if both parents pass away.
-Decide whether guardians should also manage finances or if a testamentary trust is needed.
5. Trust Considerations
-If leaving assets to minors or vulnerable beneficiaries, consider a testamentary trust.
-Appoint suitable trustees to manage these assets. People you trust to administer same for you.
6. Assets & Liabilities
-List your property, vehicles, investments, retirement funds, bank accounts, policies, businesses, digital assets, and valuables.
-Record all debts and obligations (e.g., home loans, vehicle finance, credit facilities, sureties).
7. Special Circumstances
-Business succession planning (if you own or co-own a business).
-Provision for pets, dependents with special needs, or foreign-held assets.
8. Funeral & Burial / Cremation Preferences or Organ Donation
-State whether you prefer burial, cremation, or other arrangements.
-Record any specific funeral wishes.
-Indicate whether you wish to donate organs.
9. Witnesses
-Your will must be signed in front of two competent witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
-Ensure the formal requirements for executing a valid will are followed.
10. Storage of Will
-Decide where to store the original will safely (executor, bank, attorney, or home safe).
11. Supporting Documents
-Keep important documents with your will: title deeds, share certificates, insurance policies, marriage certificate/ANC, divorce orders, adoption records, firearm licences, and partnership agreements.
12. Considering a Living Will
A living will is a document that states your medical wishes if you can’t communicate, usually about end-of-life care like life support, resuscitation, or tube feeding when recovery is unlikely.
-It provides clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones and doctors.
-It does not deal with your property or beneficiaries (that is covered by your last will).
-It should be kept with your will and shared with your family.