Dear Shade,

I am a 29-year-old software developer. Proudly, I tell computers what to do. I wouldn’t say I’m Elon Musk-rich, but to a certain extent, I’ve made some money and even acquired a few properties in my name. I had an accident that landed me in the hospital. Since then, I’ve been having this nudge to write my Will, but whenever I mention it, my mother screams “you will not die but live.” My siblings also accuse me of being insensitive and too young to harbour such thoughts. I know I am not dying today, I just want to plan my life in a way that it takes the pressure off my loved ones in the case of any eventuality and frees up emotional real estate so that I can focus on my work and enjoy life, instead of being afraid of the future.

What do you think? Am I too young to have a Will? Do you suggest I go ahead with setting up a Will regardless of how my Mum and siblings feel?

Taslim, Lekki

Dear Taslim,

Glad to see you are doing well after your accident. Your thought on the matter is correct. It is necessary to plan for your absence, even as you are young, and a will is an excellent way to ensure your wishes are carried out in the event of your absence.

While the sentiments of your mother and siblings are understandable owing to the sensitivity of the topic, it is important to consider the bigger picture and do what is best for you. You are not too young to write a Will. The minimum age requirements for a will is 18 in Lagos State and as long as you have assets, it is best to decide now how you want the assets to be dealt with in your absence. It is also important to note that a Will is a confidential document and there is no need to inform your mother of the existence of the Will as this might cause further friction in the family.

An excellent way to go about getting a Will is to use the Easywill Platform by ARM Trustees Limited which is an online, do-it-yourself service which allows you to create a Will in 30 minutes. It is inexpensive, secure,  private and helps guarantee asset protection and privacy. You can then choose to inform one or two trusted persons who will know of its existence but who will be willing to keep that knowledge a secret until or unless it is required.

I trust that this helps you make the best decision.

Thank you.