New Guide Clarifies Will Drafting Process in Zimbabwe

Folks in Zimbabwe call their final instructions a "Will." This legal paper explains exactly who receives your belongings when you pass away. Your Will names trusted people to manage everything and look after your children. Many folks include burial wishes as part of these final plans.

Zimbabwe recognizes four different kinds of Wills for regular citizens. These include Joint Wills Mutual Wills, Joint Mutual Wills, and Privileged Wills. The law also allows three special types under the Privileged category: those made by soldiers, those created during disease outbreaks, and verbal Wills that witnesses write down for you.

According to Zimbabwean law, you must follow certain rules when creating a valid Will. First, you need to be at least 16 years old. Your Will must exist on paper with your signature near the end of each page. Two witnesses must watch you sign and then add their signatures to every page.

The High Court has some flexibility with these rules after someone dies. They can sometimes accept Wills that don't perfectly meet all requirements. The law permits you to transfer any assets through your Will. You can decide who raises your children and make other legal requests about your property.

Your Will should list basic information about yourself, including your full name, ID number, nationality, and current address. It should also describe all important possessions, such as houses, vehicles, business interests, bank accounts, and valuable personal items you want to give away.

Smart people add specific details about their assets even though the law doesn't demand it. Things like company registration numbers or sharing certificate details help your executor tremendously. Every Will should name someone trustworthy to serve as executor - the person who handles everything after you die.

Parents can specify who should raise their children if tragedy strikes. Your Will must clearly state who receives which possessions from your estate. Be very specific with these gifts - saying things like "Amanda receives 50% of my business" or "James gets my house at 515 Northside."

People named in your Will can refuse gifts if accepting creates problems they don't want. Though not legally required, adding funeral instructions prevents family disagreements later. You can specify whether you prefer burial or cremation and choose exactly where this should happen.

Your Will lets you control your legacy in many ways. You can select primary and backup beneficiaries, delay when people receive inheritances, and establish special arrangements. You can create trusts, appoint managers, and design rules for how everything works. You may even forgive debts others owe you.

Creating a trust through your Will requires naming trustees to manage it and beneficiaries who receive its benefits. Always explain any special purpose for your trust or identify specific assets that belong inside it. This clarity prevents confusion and ensures your wishes become a reality.
 

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