14 Nov 2024 | 8 min read Family Law, Succession & Estate Planning

The Essentials of Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Power of Attorney

This article provides a comprehensive overview of estate planning essentials, including wills, trusts, and power of attorney, and explains their importance in managing and protecting assets.

Benson Boru Waqo

Benson Boru Waqo

Partner

Estate planning is a crucial step in securing your assets and ensuring that they are distributed according to your wishes. This article begins by discussing wills, legal documents that specify how assets are to be divided after death. It covers the basic elements of a valid will, such as testamentary capacity and witnessing requirements, and addresses common misconceptions about probate—the legal process of validating a will.


Trusts are introduced as a flexible option for managing assets during one’s lifetime and beyond, with an explanation of different types of trusts, such as revocable, irrevocable, and special needs trusts. Additionally, the article discusses the role of a power of attorney, which grants a trusted individual the authority to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of the principal. Estate planning goes beyond asset distribution; it provides peace of mind and security for loved ones, allowing them to navigate difficult times with greater ease.

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