Wills and Trust

Wills and trusts are both estate planning tools that can help ensure your assets are protected and bequeathed to your heirs, besides your spouse, which is generally not an issue. This is because the unlimited marital deduction provision within the United States Estate and Gift Tax Law allows the passing of wealth to a surviving spouse without incurring gift or estate tax liabilities.

However, the transfer process becomes much more involved when wealth is passed to a subsequent generation. It is possible to have both a will and a trust.

A will is a written document expressing a deceased person’s wishes, from naming guardians of minor children to bequeathing objects and cash assets to friends, relatives, or charities. A will becomes active only after one’s death. A trust is active the day you create it, and a grantor may list the distribution of assets before their death in it, unlike a will. There are irrevocable trusts, often created for tax purposes, which cannot be altered after their creation, and living trusts, which can be changed by the grantor.

All wills must go through a legal process called probate, where an authorized court administrator examines them. This process can be lengthy and potentially contentious if family members contest the will. Trusts are not required to go through probate when the grantor dies, and they cannot be contested.

Source: “Invsetopedia – Wills vs Trust

Services include:

  • Formation , Registration and Administration of Family and Charitable Trusts
  • Preparation, Registration and Administration of Wills
  • Disputes, Resolution and Opinions on Wills and deceased Estates
  • Representation, Dispute Resolution and Litigation
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Piyush Sharma

The Practice and Partner understands the changing dynamics of the Legal Fraternity and the growing requirements of the Market in Botswana and the region. With a wealth of experience and practice, the Firm aims to be a leader in the Legal Profession with an aim on commitment, transparency, ardour and fair charges.

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