Are you looking for cost-effective will writing services and estate planning in Malaysia?
You’re not alone.
Did you know that a staggering 70% of people in Malaysia don’t have a will? 90 billion worth of assets unclaimed.
This leaves their families vulnerable to legal complications and potential disputes.
As an experienced will lawyer, I’m here to help you understand why an affordable will writing service is crucial for everyone, regardless of your income or assets.
Why Every Malaysian Needs an Affordable Will?
Many people think will-writing is only for the wealthy or elderly.
However, as an estate planning lawyer in Malaysia, I’ve seen how having a will benefits everyone, regardless of age or financial status.
Protecting your family’s future on any budget
You might be thinking, “I don’t have much, so why bother with estate planning?”
But here’s the truth:
- a will isn’t about how much you have
- It’s about ensuring whatever you do have goes to the right people
- It helps avoid family conflicts over assets, no matter how small
Our inexpensive will lawyer services offer options to create a will that fits various budgets, making will writing accessible for low to medium-income individuals.
Ensuring your wishes are respected
Without a will, did you know that the distribution of your assets follows a standard government formula?
With proper wills and estate planning:
- You control the process
- You can specify who receives particular items
- Your decisions are clear and legally recognized
For example, you can ensure your cherished guitar collection goes to your music-loving nephew or that special watch is given to your best friend as promised.
Avoiding costly legal complications for your loved ones
Without a will, your family might face significant legal expenses when managing your estate.
A well-drafted will:
- Simplifies the process.
- Provides clear instructions from a will lawyer.
- Reduces the likelihood of disputes.
- Allows your family to focus on honoring your memory rather than dealing with complicated legal procedures.
Real Malaysians Share Their Will Writing Experiences
Many Malaysians have shared their experiences with will writing.
Here are some insights:
“I made my will with Amanahraya. They are the official public trustee. Cost is around RM600 for the basic will,” shares one Malaysian. They added, “You can also assign them to be the executor in the event of your demise.”
Another user mentioned, “Drafting a Will is easy, as you can just find 2 witnesses (who are not beneficiaries of your Will, and of legal age) to sign the Will, and many Will templates can be found online.”
However, several users emphasized the importance of proper execution. As one financial planner advised, “If you cheap out and opt to cut corners here and there, your beneficiaries might have a hard time probing the Will, thus delaying any money/gifts/proceeds to be given to them.”
5 Common Myths About Will Writing in Malaysia
Let’s debunk some misconceptions about affordable wills in Malaysia:
1. Myth: Cheap wills aren’t legally valid
Truth: a will’s validity depends on meeting legal requirements, not cost. Our budget will services ensure all legal requirements are met.
2. Myth: I need expensive lawyers for a proper will
Truth: While legal expertise is valuable, many affordable will-writing services provide legally sound wills.
3. Myth: I’m too young or poor to need a will
Truth: Estate planning services are valuable regardless of age or wealth. It’s about planning for unforeseen circumstances.
4. Myth: Writing a will means cursing yourself to death
Truth: This superstition is unfounded. Creating a will is a responsible step in life planning, similar to planning for a trip.
5. Myth: My family will automatically inherit everything
Truth: Without a will, your assets are distributed according to Malaysian law, which may not align with your wishes.
Understanding these myths helps in recognizing the value of creating an affordable will, reducing potential headaches for your loved ones.
Understanding Basic Will Requirements in Malaysia
Creating a will in Malaysia isn’t as complex as you might think. Here are the key requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind when making the will
- Your will must be in writing and signed by you in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign
- These witnesses can’t be beneficiaries of your will
- You should clearly state how you want your assets distributed and appoint an executor to manage your estate
- For Muslim Malaysians, different rules apply. Muslims can create a wasiat murah Malaysia (affordable Islamic will) for up to one-third of their estate, following Shariah law
DIY vs. Professional Will Writing Services
While it’s possible to write your own will, many Malaysians opt for professional services. Here’s why:
DIY Will Writing
Pros:
- Lowest cost option
- Can be done quickly
- Gives you full control over the process
Cons:
- Risk of errors that could invalidate the will
- May not cover all legal requirements
- Could be challenging to execute if not clearly written
Professional Will Writing Services
Pros:
- Ensures all legal requirements are met
- Provides expert advice on complex situations
- Often includes will storage and execution services
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- May take longer to complete
As one local SEO expert advised, “It’s so cheap that you might as well pay someone to do it to make sure you don’t mess up.”
Important Considerations for Your Will
Here are some key points to consider:
- Asset Documentation: List all your assets, including:
- Bank accounts (bank, account type, account number)
- Vehicles (registration number)
- Safe deposit boxes (key and safe number)
- Precious or sentimental items
- Investment accounts (institution and account number)
- Business shares (company name, registration, shares held)
- Properties (title details, postal address)
- Succession of Inheritance: Plan for scenarios where your primary beneficiaries may not outlive you.
- EPF and Insurance Policies: These typically have separate nomination processes and are not governed by your will.
- International Assets: Consider how these will be handled if you have assets in other countries (e.g., Singapore).
- Will Storage: Decide where to keep your will safe. Options include personal storage, with a lawyer, or with institutions like Amanahraya.
The Will Execution Process: What Happens After
Many Malaysians overlook the importance of will execution. Here’s what you need to know:
- Executor’s Role: Your executor will need to locate assets, settle debts, and distribute assets as per your will.
- Probate Process: This legal process validates your will and can take time, especially for complex estates.
- Potential Costs: Be aware of executor fees. For instance, Amanahraya charges a percentage based on the estate value.
- Potential Challenges: Unclear or contradictory terms in your will can lead to delays or disputes.
As one financial planner on Reddit advised, “There are some Wills that can take years to process due to inconsistency/incomplete/contradicting/unclear terms found within it.”
Affordable Will Writing Packages for All Malaysians
We’ve designed our estate planning services to suit various needs and budgets, making will writing accessible to every Malaysian.
Starter package: The basic individual will (RM600 – RM800)
This package is perfect for individuals seeking a straightforward, cost-effective legal will.
It covers all essentials, ensuring your basic wishes are legally documented.
It’s our most affordable option, ideal for those just starting to think about estate planning.
Value package: Couple’s will bundle (RM1,000 – RM1,200)
Our economical will-drafting package for couples offers a cost-effective solution.
Both partners receive individual wills at a discounted rate compared to purchasing separately.
This ensures you and your partner are aligned in your estate plans.
Essential package: Will + basic estate planning (RM1,500 – RM2,000)
This comprehensive package includes a will and basic estate planning advice.
While priced higher than our basic packages, it offers excellent value for those wanting more detailed guidance.
Click here to book a consultation with our lawyer now!
Simple updates and revisions
Life changes, and so can your will.
We offer affordable updates for new circumstances like family additions or property purchases.
This cost-effective approach means you won’t need to create an entirely new will.
Transparent pricing and payment options
We believe in being upfront about our fees.
While specific costs may vary based on individual circumstances, we provide clear, written quotes before you commit.
We offer flexible payment options to make our services more accessible, ensuring high-quality, affordable legal documents for all.
Simple 5-Step Process for Creating Your Will
We’ve streamlined the will creation process to make it as easy as possible:
Initial consultation (phone/video call)
- Discuss your needs and circumstances
- Get answers to your initial questions
- Receive a tailored recommendation
Easy information gathering
- We’ll guide you through the necessary information
- Discuss your assets and beneficiaries
- Consider any special requests or provisions
Quick will drafting
- Our experienced lawyers draft your will
- We use clear, legally sound language
- Typically completed within a few days
Clear explanation and review
- We’ll walk you through each section of your will
- Explain legal terms in the language that you understand
- Make any necessary revisions
Convenient signing and storage options
- Arrange a time and place for signing
- Ensure proper witnessing
- Discuss safe storage options for your will
This simple will creation process typically takes 1-2 weeks from consultation to signing. Pesuruhjaya sumpah or commissioner for oaths support may be needed for the document validation.
Find a Will Attorney for Will Writing Service
Our team of estate planning lawyers offers unique advantages for Malaysians looking to secure their future affordably.
Experienced lawyers at budget-friendly rates
We’ve assembled skilled lawyers specializing in will writing and estate planning, offering professional, reliable advice without the hefty price tag often associated with law firms.
Nationwide service availability
Whether in Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or anywhere else in Malaysia, you can access our will-writing service.
We offer both in-person consultations and remote services.
Simple, jargon-free process
We explain everything in plain language, avoiding complex legal terms.
This ensures you fully understand your will’s contents and can make informed decisions about your estate.
Outstanding client support
Our team is here to support you from your initial inquiry to the final signing.
We’re always ready to answer your questions and address concerns, making will-writing a stress-free experience.
See our reviews here:
Take Action Today to Secure Your Family’s Future
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. With our affordable will-writing services, you can ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected.
Take the first step towards peace of mind. Contact us today for a professional consultation and learn how we can help you create a legally sound, affordable will tailored to your needs.
Call us at 03-8080 9281 or email general@fltclegal.com to schedule your free consultation. Your family’s future is too important to delay – act now!
15 FAQs:
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How much does your affordable will writing service cost?
Our basic will writing package starts at [price]. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to suit every budget.
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Is a cheap will legally valid in Malaysia?
Yes, our affordable wills are legally valid. We ensure all wills meet the requirements of the Wills Act 1959.
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How long does it take to create an affordable will?
Our efficient process typically takes 1-2 weeks from consultation to signing.
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Can I update my will in the future?
Absolutely! We offer low-cost updates and revisions to ensure your will always reflects your current wishes.
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Do I need a will if I don’t own property?
Yes, a will is important regardless of property ownership. It can cover savings, personal possessions, and guardianship of children.
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At what age can I make a will in Malaysia?
According to Section 4 of the Wills Act 1959, you must be at least 18 years old to make a legally valid will in Malaysia.
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Do I need a lawyer to write a will in Malaysia?
While the Wills Act 1959 doesn’t mandate using a lawyer, it’s highly recommended to ensure your will meets all legal requirements.
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How often should I update my will?
It’s advisable to review your will every 3-5 years or after major life events to ensure it remains valid and reflects your current wishes.
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What happens if I die without a will in Malaysia?
If you die intestate (without a will), your assets will be distributed according to the Distribution Act 1958 for non-Muslims or Islamic law for Muslims.
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Can I include my EPF (Employees Provident Fund) savings in my will?
EPF savings are governed by the Employees Provident Fund Act 1991 and cannot be included in your will. You should nominate beneficiaries directly with EPF.
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How does Islamic law affect will writing for Muslims in Malaysia?
The Wills Act 1959 does not apply to Muslims in Malaysia. Instead, Muslims are subject to Shariah law and can create a wasiat for up to one-third of their estate.
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Can I write my will in languages other than Bahasa Malaysia or English?
While not prohibited, it’s strongly recommended to use either Bahasa Malaysia or English to avoid potential interpretation issues in court.
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What’s the difference between a wasiat and a will?
A wasiat is an Islamic will governed by Shariah law, while a will under the Wills Act 1959 is a secular document.
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How do I choose an executor for my will?
Choose someone trustworthy and capable of managing your estate according to the Act’s provisions. This could be a family member, friend, or professional executor.
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Are online or DIY wills legally valid in Malaysia?
While not prohibited, online or DIY wills must still meet all the Wills Act 1959 requirements to be valid, including proper witnessing and execution.
