Introductory guide structureA will is a legal document which clearly identifies what must happen when you die. It is possible to identify specific gifts within the Will or alternatively ensure that the whole estate passes to a particular beneficiary.

A Will allows for the distribution of assets but it also:

  • Appoints your executors - these are people who you wish to act on your behalf after your death. The executors deal with collecting in assets and distributing according to the provisions of the Will.
  • It appoints a guardian if you have children - your will makes it clear who will care for your child/ren after your death.
  • It also allows for a trust/benefit fund to be utilised ensuring that your minor beneficiary/ies interests are looked after and their school and daily needs are taken care of after your death.

It is therefore very important that you complete and sign your Will correctly to be certain it can not be contested and set aside by the courts.

Attached to the email you will find your personalized Last Will and Testament, you need to please: -

  • Print out two copies of Your Last Will and Testament.
  • Sign each page of Your Will in full at the bottom of the page (where it says Signed by: Testator/Testatrix______________________.
  • Get two witnesses to sign each page of your Will in full at the bottom of the page (where it says Witness1 and Witness 2). It is very important that the people who sign as your witnesses are not inheriting (getting any money or assets) a guardian, an executor or a trustee in your will. If they are, and they sign they will no longer be able to inherit or undertake their mandated functions.
  • You must add the place (location) the Will has been signed, along with the day and month on the last page of the Will.
  • Please sign and date the last page of your Will in the place that says, “Testator/Testatrix signature.
  • Your two witnesses must complete the information on the last page of your Will and sign in the place that says “Sign”.
  • Ensure that you sign the will at the same place and time as the Witnesses.

Should you not be able to sign your Will due to disability or incapacitation please contact us at will-support@oldmutual.com for assistance.

Storage of your Will:

We recommend that your Will be stored in a secure location safe from fire or water damage. As well as to ensure it is never lost.

The Old Mutual Will Storage service provides you with the collection of your will by a courier and the safe secure storage of the Will in an environmentally controlled facility.

For any assistance and to find out more about this service please call 021 753 3248 email us at will-support@oldmutual.com.