“Secure Your Legacy: Why Fijian Elders Are Urged to Create Wills Now”

Senior citizens in Fiji’s Northern Division are being urged to establish wills to avoid potential family disagreements after their passing. This call to action comes from Razmoon Bi, an officer with the Fiji Public Trustee, during an event in Labasa aimed at the elderly population. Bi emphasized the complexities involved in determining the distribution of assets, property, and businesses without proper legal documentation, advising that such matters should be organized in advance to prevent conflicts among beneficiaries.

Bi highlighted that many senior citizens possess businesses and investments that are often not accompanied by proper will documentation. This lack of clarity can lead to disputes among family members, as everyone vies for a share of the inherited properties and assets. The absence of a will can create substantial tension within families, particularly regarding businesses that have been built over generations.

In support of this initiative, the Fiji Public Trustee has successfully mediated numerous cases of family disputes concerning business and property, reflecting the organization’s commitment to ensuring rightful inheritance and smooth transitions in ownership. In addition, Bi noted that non-Fijian business owners with property in Fiji also utilize the services of the Public Trustee to manage their assets while residing abroad.

As part of the broader discussion around asset management, this encouragement to create wills reinforces the importance of proactive financial and estate planning, which can foster peace of mind among elders and their families. Creating a will not only provides clarity in distribution but also helps preserve family harmony in times of grief and loss.

This guidance aligns with the growing recognition of the complexities surrounding inheritance and can be a vital step in securing a stable legacy for future generations in Fiji. By taking action today, individuals can help prevent quandaries that could arise in the future, leading to a more harmonious family dynamic.