Hey there! Asep Wijaya here.
So, let’s talk about something that might not be the most exciting dinner table conversation, but it’s super important: wills and intestacy. You know, that legal stuff about what happens to your stuff when you’re no longer around to enjoy it. I promise to keep it light and maybe even a little funny, so stick with me!
Imagine this: You’ve spent years collecting all sorts of treasures, your prized comic book collection, that vintage guitar you never learned to play, and let’s not forget your adorable cat, Whiskers.
Now, wouldn’t you want to make sure these treasures end up in the right hands? That’s where the last will come in handy.
The Rise of Intestacy
First off, what’s intestacy? It’s a fancy legal term for dying without a will. And believe it or not, it’s on the rise! More and more people are leaving this world without a clear plan for their belongings. It’s like throwing a party and not telling anyone what to bring. Chaos ensues!
In Indonesia, if you don’t have a will, the Civil Code kicks in. It’s like that strict aunt who decides who gets what at family gatherings. According to the Civil Code, your assets are divided among your closest relatives. But what if you wanted your best friend to have that guitar? Or your neighbor to take care of Whiskers? Without a will, your wishes might not be honored.
Now, let’s get a bit legal, but I promise it won’t be too dry. The Civil Code in Indonesia sets the rules for intestacy. It’s like the rulebook for dividing your stuff. But here’s the twist, if you’re a Muslim, the Islamic Compilation Law also comes into play. It’s like having two referees at a soccer match, each with their own set of rules.
The Civil Code generally follows a hierarchy: spouse, children, parents, and so on. But the Islamic Compilation Law adds another layer, emphasizing the principles of Faraid, which is the Islamic inheritance system. It’s like a puzzle, and without a will, your family might struggle to fit all the pieces together.
Why You Need a Will
So, why bother with a will? Well, think of it as your personal script for the final act of your life. You get to decide who gets what, and you can even throw in a few surprises. Want to leave a little something for your favorite charity? Or maybe let your niece keep Whiskers? A will lets you do that.
Plus, having a will can save your family a lot of headaches. Without one, they might end up in court, arguing over who gets the comic books and who’s stuck with your collection of novelty socks. And trust me, nobody wants that.
Making a Will in Indonesia
Creating a will in Indonesia isn’t as daunting as it sounds. You just need to follow a few simple steps.
First, write it down. Your will needs to be in writing, and it’s best to have it typed out. Handwritten wills can be tricky, like trying to read a doctor’s prescription.
Next, get it witnessed. You’ll need at least two witnesses who aren’t beneficiaries. It’s like having two friends vouch for you at a party: “Yes, he really did say he wanted his comic books to go to his cousin!”
Finally, keep it safe. Store your will in a secure place, like a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend. You don’t want it getting lost in a pile of old magazines.
A Friendly Reminder
Now, let’s not forget the most important part, updating your will. Life changes, and so should your will. Got married? Had kids? Adopted another cat? Make sure your will reflects these changes. It’s like updating your social media status, but way more important.
And remember, a will isn’t just about stuff. It’s about peace of mind. Knowing that your wishes will be honored can be a huge relief, both for you and your loved ones.
So, there you have it!
Intestacy might be on the rise, but you don’t have to be part of that statistic. By taking the time to create a will, you’re ensuring that your treasures, from comic books to cats, end up exactly where you want them.
And hey, if you ever need a hand with writing your will, you know where to find me. I’m always here to help you navigate the twists and turns of life’s legal maze. Now go on, grab a cup of coffee, and start planning your inheritance. Whiskers will thank you!
Our thanks to Asep Wijaya, Managing Director of Wijaya & Co for sharing this information with us
