85% of Indians do not have a will; a single act of negligence could ruin your family

Estate Planning: In India, 84.8% of people do not have a will, while 62.5% have no plans to create one in the near future. This often leads to future disputes within families regarding wills and inheritance.

Property Will: People often spend their entire lives accumulating assets and become so engrossed in the process that they fail to consider the future of those assets. Later, this oversight becomes a source of family quarrels and inheritance-related disputes.

According to a recent report, approximately 85 percent of Indians have not yet created a will, nor do they have any plans to do so. Experts state that preparing a will in a timely manner can save the family from future legal hassles and disputes.

India lags behind in will creation

People often avoid discussing asset distribution or wills altogether. As per the report, 84.8% of people have not created a will, and 62.5% have no plans to create one in the future. Experts emphasize the importance of discussing this matter, as it can otherwise lead to family conflicts and legal battles down the line.

Handwritten wills are also valid

A handwritten will is considered legally valid. Many people mistakenly believe that a will must be drafted on stamp paper or as a typed legal document, but this is not mandatory. If a person writes a will by hand, their signature is essential. Additionally, two witnesses must sign the document in the testator's presence. The will should clearly state the date, provide full details of the assets, specify the beneficiaries and their respective shares, and name an executor.

Is registering a will beneficial?

Registering a will is not mandatory, but doing so enhances the document's credibility. When a will is registered, it becomes easier to prove that it was indeed executed by the person concerned. Registration also minimizes the risk of fraud or document tampering. Furthermore, should a dispute arise later, a registered will is much easier to substantiate in court.

Opt for Online Registration in the Digital Age

Creating a will has become significantly easier these days. Online assistance is widely available, offering services ranging from drafting the document to scheduling appointments. However, for the final registration, the testator and the witnesses must personally visit the Sub-Registrar's office. Experts also advise that a will is not a "set-it-and-forget-it" document; it should be updated whenever there are significant life changes, such as the acquisition of new assets or changes in family circumstances.