Making a Will is one of those things most of us know we should do, but keep putting off. Your estate, meaning everything you own as an individual, whether it is property, jewellery, investments, bank accounts or shares, represents a lifetime of effort. Estate planning is simply the process of deciding how that wealth is managed and passed on, both during your lifetime and after. A Will is the clearest way to make sure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are looked after. Here are eight steps to help you get started.

Step I: Itemise all your assets

Begin by listing everything you own. This includes land, property, jewellery, investments and bank accounts. Note not just what you own, but how it is held. For instance, which locker holds the jewellery, or whose name a property is registered in. This reduces the risk of assets being overlooked or going unclaimed.

Step II: Itemise all your liabilities

Along with your assets, document any outstanding liabilities. This allows your executor to settle debts before distributing the estate, helping avoid disputes or unnecessary legal proceedings down the line.

Step III: Decide who will be the executor of your Will

The executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will after you are gone. Naming an executor clearly in the Will removes any ambiguity about who is in charge and ensures things are handled the way you intended.

Step IV: Decide who will witness the Will

For a Will to be legally valid, two witnesses must sign it. Choose people who will be traceable and accessible in the future. It is generally advisable to select witnesses who are younger than you, so they are more likely to be available if the Will is ever called into question.

Step V: Obtain a medical certificate

This step is not mandatory, but it is a sensible precaution. A certificate from your doctor confirming you were of sound mind at the time of writing the Will can help protect against any future challenge on grounds of mental incapacity.

Step VI: Decide who receives which asset

Be clear and specific about who gets what. This makes it easier for the executor to distribute assets and gives your family members a shared understanding of your wishes, significantly reducing the chances of disputes.

Step VII: Appoint a guardian for minor or special needs dependents

If you have minor children or dependants with special needs, you can name a guardian of your choice in your Will. If you do not, the law will make that decision by default, and the person appointed may not be who you would have chosen.

Step VIII: Ensure your Will is properly executed

Once your Will is drafted, follow these steps to make it valid and accessible:

• Read through the Will carefully and confirm all details are accurate
• Sign every page of the Will as the testator
• Sign only in the presence of both witnesses
• Have both witnesses sign the Will
• Consider registering the Will with the local sub-registrar of assurances (not mandatory, but adds an extra layer of authenticity)
• Store the Will safely, in a bank locker or at home
• Inform your executor where the Will is kept, so there are no delays or confusion when it matters most

A Will is not a morbid document. It is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for the people you care about. Once it is in place, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your wishes are clearly documented and your family is protected. If you have not started yet, there is no better time than now.