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Post Reply: Common Mistakes in Will Drafting and How to Avoid Them

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	<p dir="ltr">Drafting a will is a critical step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. In Kenya, where the legal framework for wills is primarily governed by the <strong>Law of Succession Act (Cap 160)</strong>, creating a valid and effective will requires careful attention to detail. Mistakes in will drafting can lead to disputes, legal challenges, or even the invalidation of the will, leaving your loved ones in distress. This article explores common mistakes made when drafting wills in Kenya and provides practical guidance on how to avoid them.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><em><strong>1. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Using Vague or Ambiguous Language</span></strong></em></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">One of the most frequent errors in will drafting is the use of vague or ambiguous language. For example, stating “I leave my property to my children” without specifying which properties or how they should be divided can lead to confusion and disputes. Similarly, phrases like “my favorite car” or “a reasonable amount” are subjective and open to interpretation, which may result in legal challenges.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Be Specific</strong>: Clearly identify beneficiaries by their full names and relationships to you. Specify assets in detail, including descriptions of property (e.g., “my house located at Plot No. 123, Nairobi”), bank accounts, or specific items.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Use Clear Instructions</strong>: State exactly how assets should be distributed. <em>For example, “I bequeath my Toyota Corolla, registration number KXX 123Y, to my son, John Kamau.”</em></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Seek Legal Advice</strong>: Consult a qualified lawyer to ensure the language in your will is precise and legally enforceable under Kenyan law.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><em><strong>2. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Failing to Update the Will</span></strong></em></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the acquisition of new assets can render a will outdated. In Kenya, under Section 17 of the Law of Succession Act, a will is automatically revoked by marriage unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Failing to update a will after significant life events can lead to unintended beneficiaries or assets being distributed contrary to your current wishes.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Review Regularly</strong>: Review your will every 3–5 years or after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the death of a beneficiary.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Include a Residuary Clause</strong>: This clause ensures that any assets acquired after the will is drafted are accounted for. For example, “All the residue of my estate, both real and personal, shall be divided equally among my children.”</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Revoke or Amend</strong>: If significant changes are needed, consider drafting a new will or adding a codicil (a legal amendment to an existing will) to reflect your current intentions.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Ignoring Digital Assets</em></span></strong></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">In today’s digital age, many people own digital assets such as cryptocurrency, online bank accounts, social media profiles, or digital businesses. Failing to account for these assets in a will can make it difficult for executors to access or distribute them. In Kenya, digital assets are increasingly recognized as part of an estate, but without clear instructions, they may be lost or inaccessible.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
<ul class="tight" dir="ltr" data-tight="true">
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>List Digital Assets</strong>: Include digital assets in your will, such as cryptocurrency wallets, online banking accounts, or digital content like blogs or e-commerce platforms.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Provide Access Instructions</strong>: Without compromising security, provide guidance on how to access these assets. For example, “My executor shall access my cryptocurrency wallet using the private key stored in my safe deposit box at XYZ Bank.”</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Appoint a Digital Executor</strong>: Designate someone with technical knowledge to handle digital assets, ensuring they have the authority to manage or transfer them.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Consult Experts</strong>: Work with a lawyer familiar with digital estate planning to ensure compliance with Kenyan laws and regulations.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>4. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Not Appointing a Competent Executor</em></span></strong></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">An executor is responsible for administering your estate according to your will. Choosing an executor who is unwilling, incapable, or untrustworthy can lead to mismanagement or delays. Some people fail to appoint an executor altogether, leaving the courts to appoint one, which may not align with their preferences.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Choose Wisely</strong>: Select an executor who is trustworthy, organized, and capable of handling financial and legal matters. This could be a family member, friend, or professional like a lawyer or accountant.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Appoint a Backup</strong>: Name an alternate executor in case the primary executor is unable or unwilling to act.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Communicate</strong>: Inform the chosen executor of their role and ensure they are willing to take on the responsibility.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>5. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Failing to Meet Legal Requirements</em></span></strong></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">For a will to be valid in Kenya, it must comply with the requirements of the Law of Succession Act. Common errors include not having the will witnessed by at least two competent witnesses, failing to sign the will, or not having the testator (the person making the will) of sound mind. An invalid will may be contested or declared void, leading to intestate succession (where the estate is distributed according to statutory rules).</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
<ul class="tight" dir="ltr" data-tight="true">
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Follow Legal Formalities</strong>: Ensure the will is written, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two adults who are not beneficiaries. Witnesses must also sign in the presence of the testator.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Prove Mental Capacity</strong>: If there’s any doubt about mental capacity (e.g., due to age or illness), obtain a medical certificate confirming sound mind at the time of drafting.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Store Safely</strong>: Keep the original will in a secure location, such as with a lawyer, in a bank safe, or with the Principal Registry of the High Court of Kenya, and inform your executor of its location.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>6. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Overlooking Dependents and Legal Obligations</em></span></strong></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">In Kenya, under Section 26 of the Law of Succession Act, certain dependents (e.g., spouse, children, or others who were financially dependent on the deceased) can claim reasonable provision from the estate if they are excluded or inadequately provided for. Failing to account for these obligations can lead to legal challenges.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
<ul class="tight" dir="ltr" data-tight="true">
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Identify Dependents</strong>: List all potential dependents, including spouses, children, and others who rely on you financially.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Provide Reasonable Provision</strong>: Ensure your will provides for dependents, or clearly state reasons for excluding them (though this may still be challenged).</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Seek Legal Advice</strong>: A lawyer can help balance your wishes with legal obligations to minimize disputes.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>7. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Not Considering Tax Implications</em></span></strong></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">While Kenya does not currently impose an inheritance tax, other taxes, such as capital gains tax on property transfers, may apply. Failing to consider these can reduce the value of the estate or burden beneficiaries.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
<ul class="tight" dir="ltr" data-tight="true">
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Consult a Tax Expert</strong>: Work with a financial advisor or lawyer to understand potential tax liabilities and plan accordingly.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Structure Bequests</strong>: Consider transferring certain assets during your lifetime to minimize tax implications, if legally permissible.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Include Instructions</strong>: Provide guidance in the will for executors to handle tax obligations efficiently.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><strong>8. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DIY Wills Without Professional Guidance</span></em></strong></h3>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>The Mistake</em></h4>
<p dir="ltr">Many people attempt to draft their own wills using templates or online tools to save costs. While this is legally permissible, DIY wills often contain errors, ambiguities, or fail to comply with Kenyan law, leading to invalidation or disputes.</p>
<h4 dir="ltr"><em>How to Avoid It</em></h4>
<ul class="tight" dir="ltr" data-tight="true">
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Engage a Lawyer</strong>: Hire a qualified advocate specializing in succession law to draft or review your will.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Use Templates Cautiously</strong>: If using a template, ensure it complies with Kenyan law and have it reviewed by a professional.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Educate Yourself</strong>: Understand the basics of the Law of Succession Act to make informed decisions, but rely on experts for complex issues.</p>
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></em></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Drafting a will is a vital part of estate planning, but it requires careful attention to avoid common pitfalls. In Kenya, where the Law of Succession Act governs wills, mistakes like vague language, outdated provisions, or ignoring digital assets can lead to disputes, delays, or invalidation. By being specific, updating your will regularly, accounting for digital assets, and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Consulting a qualified lawyer and reviewing your will periodically will help create a robust and legally sound document that reflects your intentions.</p>
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