Drafting a will gets easier with affordable online packages

According to some estimates, one person passes away every four seconds in our country. Many do not leave a will, leading to bitter family quarrels and property disputes. Most of the family squabbles ultimately end up in courts, so much so that property disputes form a major chunk of the civil suits pending in courts. In fact, the concept of leaving a will seems to be the last thing one wants to do. For many, leaving a will brings death closer home, conjuring up images of being on the death-bed. 

Another reason attributed to the reluctance is that the process of leaving a will is thought to be utterly cumbersome and tedious. However, a will is rated as one of the least legal of legal documents, since by adhering to simple rules, it can be self-prepared and self-written. Moreover, contrary to general belief, a will does not have to be registered. Further, it does not need to be on a stamp paper or for that matter be on the green legal paper. It does not need to be Notarised.

For those who do not know how to write a will, Vakil Search, which has come with a software called ‘Right-will’, has made things easy for an ordinary middle class person. One has to merely fill the details, after which, one has to get the witnesses and the executor(s) to sign. In fact, the executor of the will can also be a beneficiary. Once the simple formalities are carried out, the will can be sealed and stored. Experts say that a will, once made, can be altered or changed any number of times. 

Available online, and priced at Rs 399, one can download the format, and with easy-to-follow instructions, draft one’s will. Most packages come with a sample will to review, the final will as well as feedback and support forms.

Aashish Krishna Kumar, product evangelist, Vakil Search, said, “By totally simplifying the process and providing easy access, we have broken the belief that writing a will is a tough and expensive one, especially in terms of hiring an advocate to get it done.” 

Though ugly fights between siblings and relatives over properties have turned common for want of a will, it is hoped that the concept of leaving a will and a testament catches on, as that alone will bring lasting peace, to the living and the recently departed souls.