Keeping your will safe before you die matters a lot in Zimbabwe. Many families face problems when they cannot find the original document after someone passes away. Even having extra copies might not help clear up confusion that happens later. The person you pick as executor should always know exactly where your original will stays.
You can leave your will with several trusted people for safekeeping. Your lawyer might keep it secure in their office files. Some folks ask their accountant to protect this important paper. Many banks offer special storage services for valuable documents like wills. You might even hand it to a close friend you completely trust.
Zimbabwe law lets anyone give their will to the Master of the High Court for protection. This government official accepts these documents, either sealed or open, according to your preference. They write your name in their official book along with when you brought it in. You must bring two copies—they keep both the original and the backup under lock and key until you die.
The court allows you to change your will if you need to update it. Only you or someone you legally appoint can ask for your will back from the Master of the High Court during your lifetime. You sign a receipt when you take it. The officials cannot hand over your document to anyone else as long as you live.
Registering your will after death differs from proving it valid. The Administration of Estates Act explains this process clearly. After you die, any will previously given to the Master becomes officially registered in their special book. These officials must open sealed wills at this point. The law requires them to record every single will they receive through proper channels.
You can leave your will with several trusted people for safekeeping. Your lawyer might keep it secure in their office files. Some folks ask their accountant to protect this important paper. Many banks offer special storage services for valuable documents like wills. You might even hand it to a close friend you completely trust.
Zimbabwe law lets anyone give their will to the Master of the High Court for protection. This government official accepts these documents, either sealed or open, according to your preference. They write your name in their official book along with when you brought it in. You must bring two copies—they keep both the original and the backup under lock and key until you die.
The court allows you to change your will if you need to update it. Only you or someone you legally appoint can ask for your will back from the Master of the High Court during your lifetime. You sign a receipt when you take it. The officials cannot hand over your document to anyone else as long as you live.
Registering your will after death differs from proving it valid. The Administration of Estates Act explains this process clearly. After you die, any will previously given to the Master becomes officially registered in their special book. These officials must open sealed wills at this point. The law requires them to record every single will they receive through proper channels.
