Seniors, Do Not Delay in Making Your Will

All of us spend our lives working hard to build assets—homes, land, bank balances, investments, and many personal belongings. Seniors, in particular, acquire these through years of hard work, discipline, and foresight. Yet an important question often remains unanswered: what will happen to all these after we are gone, and who will receive what share of them? The simplest and clearest answer to this question is— a Will.

Even today, there are many seniors who have not yet prepared their will. In our society, there is often a mindset that when the topic of a will is discussed in the family, it is viewed negatively. Many people feel that a will should only be written when the end of life is very near.

But let us pause and think—do we really know when God may call us? Life is uncertain. Therefore, it is wise to remove this unnecessary fear from our minds. In reality, making a will is not something negative; it is a responsible and thoughtful decision.

Another important point people should understand is that a will is not something that becomes permanently fixed once it is written. It can be changed as circumstances change. You may modify your will any number of times during your lifetime. However, the latest will is the one that is considered legally valid. One only needs to mention clearly in the new will that the earlier one stands cancelled.

A will usually contains instructions regarding property, bank accounts, investments, immovable assets, personal belongings, and other important matters. This helps avoid confusion for the family after one’s passing.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop in Ranchi on this very subject. The workshop was organized by the Chaupal unit of the Maheshwari community. They admit only senior citizens as members and focuses on issues related to them. In many ways, this initiative resonates with the spirit of our Never Say Retired mission.

Young lawyers from the community explained the legal aspects of wills in a very simple and clear manner. This experience also made me feel that such workshops should be organized by more voluntary organizations, especially those working with senior citizens, so that people become aware and can take timely decisions.

Based on the discussions in the workshop and some additional information I gathered, here are a few important points about why making a will is important.

Why Should One Make a Will?

1. Distribution of Property According to Your Wishes: Through a will, you can clearly specify who will receive your assets and in what proportion. This ensures that your wishes are respected and prevents any confusion later.
2. Avoiding Family Disputes: Quite often, disagreements or disputes arise within families regarding the distribution of property. A written will greatly reduces the chances of such conflicts, as everything is clearly stated in advance.
3. Simplifying the Legal Process: If there is no will, the distribution of property is carried out according to general legal provisions, which can sometimes make the process lengthy and complicated. A will makes the process much simpler and smoother.
4. Arranging for Special Responsibilities: If there is a family member who requires special care—such as a differently-abled child or someone who is completely dependent—specific provisions for their care can be made in the will.
5. Supporting Social or Charitable Causes: If you wish to allocate a portion of your assets to a social organization, trust, or charitable cause, this can also be clearly mentioned in your will.
6. Peace of Mind: Perhaps the most important benefit is the peace of mind it brings. When a person knows that everything will remain well organized even after their passing, it provides a deep sense of reassurance.

During the workshop, another interesting and important point was highlighted. In today’s digital age, not only movable and immovable property but also digital assets have become significant. If you have a strong presence on social media, a YouTube channel, a blog, or any source of online income, these should also be considered part of your assets and mentioned in your will. Many people today are earning substantial income through digital platforms, and such assets should not be overlooked.

Conclusion:

Making a will is not about thinking of death—it is about planning responsibly for life. It is not merely a legal document about property distribution; it reflects your concern, foresight, and care for your family.

If you have not yet made your will, do not keep postponing it. Consult a good lawyer, list all your assets, and clearly decide how you would like them to be distributed.

A well-thought-out will ensures that even after you are gone, harmony, clarity, and respect remain within the family. And perhaps that is one of the most meaningful legacies a person can leave behind.

(Next week will be my 100th article)