First National Bank of Namibia (FNB) has put emphasis on the importance of drafting a will stating that it transcends mere asset management and is a cornerstone of legacy preservation, family security, and ensuring lifelong intentions endure. Yet, even visionary professionals often delay this critical step.
Melandi Farmer, Fiduciary Manager at FNB Namibia, asserts, “A will is a legal document that captures your instructions relating to all your assets, in case of your death. A will ensures your wishes are honoured, and your loved ones are protected, and it gives peace of mind that there will be no family disputes over your assets.”
Despite its urgency, myths, procrastination, or assumptions about its irrelevance leave many without a will. In Namibia, the stakes are amplified: dying intestate means assets are divided under the Intestate Succession Act, side-lining personal wishes and fuelling familial tension. For parents, the absence of a will risks leaving children’s guardianship to unintended caregivers.
Globally, estate planning is gaining traction, yet FNB emphasizes local expertise. “The biggest mistake people make regarding their wills is not thinking about the practicality of their wishes, and not seeing a professional to advise you,” Farmer warns. Proactive planning, she stresses, avoids emotional and legal strain during grief.
In conclusion, FNB states that a will is not just paperwork, highlighting that it is a final, strategic act to shield your legacy and family in an unpredictable world and helps shape the future, even after you are gone.