By Ewere Odiase ACIArb.
?WILL?: A NECESSARY DUTY
Every adult owes himself a personal duty to exercise his right over the fruits of his earthly effort, before he is fore closed by the event of transition. Legally, this is done by way of a testamentary document called a Will

WHAT IS A WILL?
 For the purpose of this forum, a will is simply defined as a document by which a person making it (the testator) provides for the distribution or administration of his property. It is always revocable by him in his life time and takes effect after his death.

Naturally, every person will want to provide for his family. The surest way to cure this concern or fulfill this duty is to cause a will to be prepared. By this method, your land and other property will lawfully descend to you heirs.

Alternatively, you may remain passive and die intestate, (without a will) and expose your family to the whims of custom and the arbitrary caprice of your surviving relatives.

FIVE REASONS TO PREPARE YOUR WILL TODAY:
1.To provide for your family, loved ones and dependents left behind.

2.To ensure that undesirable rules of customary law do not subvert your intentions regarding your earthly possessions.

3.To facilitate easy access by your family to the money in your bank account, pension funds or benefit/gratuity from   your work place, and ensure the use of such fund as strictly directed by you.

4.To control the organized distribution and management of your property in such a way as to perpetuate your memory.

5.To document your assets and liabilities for the benefit of your survivors.

QUALIFICATIONS TO MAKE A WILL
You are qualified to make a will, if:

You are an adult, above the age of 21 years and possess a sound mind, (not a lunatic)

You are a woman, married or single and possess personal property.

You are a soldier in active military service or a seaman at sea, irrespective of your age.

SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A VALID WILL