WILL



Drafting will is a common work that a conveyancing lawyer does.


What are the legal reason to go to a lawyer firm to make a will?


Simple. to be legal. The rules are simple: there must first be a will maker, the testator or testatrix. Then a executor/trustee, somebody who carries out the works stated in his/her will.


And of course, the usual estates, real or personal and beneficiaries and so forth.


The simplest will?


“All to mom.” was a valid will. A very good will indeed.


So why don't people just write down wills like “all to Suzie”, “all to Ahmad”, “all to wife”, “all to XYZ church”... ?

Here the reasons are complex. People who are fear to make wills are the well to dos and these days it seems more like “I don't earn enough, I have got nothing or no property in my name. How to give?”. But I always wonder: why to give?


Recently a young or relatively not very old man came to my Chambers (why lawyers office are referred as “Chambers” ? Will be told in my next write ups.) and asked for my humble service of preparing a will for him.

His intentions are very clear. “I want to give to the world all I have, I have had.” He said.


Gentleman, what have you got?”


Counsel, can't you see what I have?”


It is indeed what I can't see within you that I can't grasp. You must be specific so as for me to pen down.”


In that case, you can't be a Will maker or preparer.”


“But I am a lawyer!”

I was about to shout “I am not a will maker or undertaker or whatever you'd like to call!”, just then, the man hesitated and in due course stood and prepared to leave, leaving me a bit stunt.


“As you wish and God bless.” I stammered, sought of quietly.


Yes! I want to give all to God.” The man burst and thrilled and warmly turned a smiling face to me and shook my hands and departed and said more than once, “Thank you. Thank you counsel.”


I was pleased to hear that. No fees for the day.



09.03.2006



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Liew Shau Jin (ABS)