What to avoid in a will: Unequal shares, coercion, vague language

All of the above can lead to intra-family disputes; anyone making a will who anticipates acrimony should use of a family settlement to pre-empt it

In a recent case — Metpalli Lasum Bai (deceased) & Others vs. Metapalli Muthaih (deceased) — the Supreme Court held that a registered will carries the presumption of genuineness and that the burden of proof lies with the party disputing its validity. Those preparing a Will should exercise due care to minimise the chances of a dispute.

What is a will?

A will is a legal document that expresses how the testator’s (the person making a will) assets should be distributed after their passing. It comes into effect only upon the testator’s death.

 

“Its objective is to record the wishes and instructions