INFOGRAPHIC: Will-Wreckers, Don't Let These Sneaky Actions Invalidate Your Last Will and Testament!



Hey there, did you know that certain actions can totally mess up your last will and testament? Yep, turns out that your final wishes can get thrown out the window if you don't watch out for these tricky invalidators. So, if you want to make sure your heirs get what's coming to them, better pay attention to these potential will-wreckers!

1.    SPOUSE OF THE BENEFICIARY ACTS AS A WITNESS TO THE WILL

The beneficiary's  spouse appointed as the witness will lose his/her entitlement in the Will. The validity of the Will can also be challenged. This is in line with Section 9 of the WILLS ACT 1959.



2.    GETTING MARRIED AFTER WRITING A WILL

When you get married or remarry, your will is automatically revoked. A "contemplation of marriage" clause in your will that expressly calls for an anticipated marriage is an exception. A divorce has no bearing on a will's legality. In this case, a new will is required.





3.    BENEFICIARY IS ALSO A WITNESS

A will can be witnessed and signed by anyone over the age of 18 – such as a neighbour, friend or colleague. However, a beneficiary named to benefit from the WILL cannot be a witness.


4.    CONVERSION TO ISLAM CAN INVALIDATE A WILL

If you have already written a WILL and thereafter convert to Islam, your existing WILL, will become automatically invalid. This is because in Islam the distribution of assets of a deceased will follow the Faraid distribution.    

 


Therefore, it is advised that you speak with a lawyer before drafting a WILL in order to verify that it is correct and valid. Leave a comment for further information and to start drafting your WILL.

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