Common Excuses for Not Writing a Will
Despite the benefits, nearly 80% of Indians die without a Will. Why? It's not lack of money; it's psychology.
Excuse 1: "I am not rich enough."
- The Myth: "Wills are for Tatas and Birlas."
- The Reality: Even if you own a 1 BHK flat and a scooter, that is wealth. If you have two children, they can fight over that flat for decades. A Will costs almost nothing but saves lakhs in legal fees.
Excuse 2: "I am too young to die."
- The Myth: "I am 30. Checking out is for 80-year-olds."
- The Reality: Accidents and pandemics don't check ID cards. COVID-19 showed us that uncertainty is the only certainty. If you have a dependent (spouse/child), you need a Will today.
Excuse 3: "My family knows what I want."
- The Myth: "My son knows he should share with his sister."
- The Reality: Money changes people. Grief + Greed is a dangerous cocktail. Unwritten wishes are legally worthless. The law will follow the Succession Act, not your dinner table conversations.
Excuse 4: "It invites bad luck / morbid."
- The Myth: "If I talk about death, it will happen."
- The Reality: This is superstition. Buying car insurance doesn't cause accidents. Writing a Will is an act of Love, not fear. It protects your family.
Excuse 5: "It's too complicated/expensive."
- The Myth: "I need a high-fi lawyer."
- The Reality: You can write a Will on a plain piece of paper! Taking a lawyer's help is better for clarity, but a handwritten (Holograph) Will is perfectly legal in India if signed and witnessed correctly.
Case Study: The "Understanding" Family
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Summary
- Procrastination: The enemy of estate planning.
- Any Amount: If you have assets > 0, you need a plan.
- Plain Paper: A Will doesn't need stamp paper.
- Peace of Mind: Doing it releases anxiety.
Quiz Time! 🎯
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Next Chapter: Estate Planning Tools – Will, Trusts, & Nomination! 🛠️