The leading community service organisation, WAPIZ, organized a crucial session on how to make wills, on 1^st June, 2025, at the Cusrow Baug Pavilion. Not surprisingly, it turned out to be a packed event, which greatly benefitted numerous community members who returned with not just the understanding of how to write wills, but also with answers to various queries. A detailed and insightful presentation was delivered by qualified lawyer (LLB) and Company Secretary (CS) – Namita Agarwal, who specializes in the preparation of Wills and Family Trusts and commands over two decades of experience in this field.

Anahita Desai, who heads WAPIZ, shares, “Through our Helping Hands community service project, we realised a troubling truth – that most Parsis, especially our seniors, haven’t made a Will. In earlier times, Pappa would gather the family and divide his assets equally; Mamma would distribute her jewellery and garas, and that was that. But today, even if someone has appointed a nominee in their bank or demat accounts, it doesn’t guarantee inheritance.

Our interactions with senior citizens revealed that many haven’t even made a Will, and some don’t even have nominees for their bank accounts or shares. Shockingly, several elders who live alone operate accounts with single signatory access and no nominees. We’ve come across cases where seniors, despite owning property or having savings hand over financial control to neighbours, domestic help, or even local acquaintances. In the absence of a Will or nominee, these assets can end up with the government. We’ve all seen the chaos that follows a death without a Will – there’s bitter disputes, legal battles, and often, total loss. That’s why WAPIZ decided to conduct this awareness session.”

Numerous queries were raised through the session, including: Does a Will need to be registered? Can the Executors also be beneficiaries? Who should ideally serve as witnesses to a Will? Is it necessary for a doctor to certify the testator’s cognitive capacity? What is a probate, and when is it required? Namita Agarwal addressed these with patience and clarity, effectively dispelling many common doubts and misconceptions surrounding the making of a Will. The session proved to be highly informative and was greatly appreciated by all attendees.

Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response, WAPIZ plans to conduct additional awareness sessions on this important subject across other Baugs and Colonies in the near future. (For queries contact Sherry Patel on 8657861939).