Death is certain. When an individual dies suddenly, the family members will have to face problems if the individual, in anticipation of death, has not taken precautions and made arrangements to settle his affairs. While appreciating the inevitable truth that Death is certain, one also needs to understand and execute his responsibilities in anticipation of the event in the best interest of his loved ones and dependents.
Death could occur suddenly by accident, heart attack and so on or a person could become incapacitated, unconscious and unable to speak or function. While we pray that such a situation should not come to anybody, every prudent person should take precautions to explain all his ideas, position of assets, relationship with family members, financial details and other vital information and inform his family members and close friends so that the affairs and assets are properly managed. This responsibility is beyond writing a clear, complete and legally valid Will. Despite the will, there are likely situations that the successors, being unable to know details and whereabouts of assets, tend to lose the wealth and land in unwarranted hardships. What was earned and saved becomes waste! In the hours of death and grief, they would also be facing unwarranted difficulties due to lack of information and instructions in management of affairs. To overcome such avoidable consequences the following suggestions are being shared.
A. BEING ORGANISED IN PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL MATTERS:
It is in your best interest to follow the following points in order to keep your personal financial and legal compliance matters in an organized manner:-
a) All investments in FD, NSC, LIC policies, Bonds, Shares etc., are to be held in joint names and nominations are to be made for all such investments. It is also advisable to maintain photocopies of the documents along with an Investment Register being kept up-to-date as and when the investments undergo changes.
b) Keep a ‘Notarised’ photocopy of all the documents of immovable property. The original title deeds are to be carefully preserved. If they are very old or inherited take steps to get the name of legal representatives / beneficiaries in the revenue records. Obtain a legal opinion and keep the same along with the original title deeds to avoid difficulty in disposal because the rules and regulations are changed periodically and the same can be taken care of in time under advice of a competent advocate.
c) If there are immovable properties owned, please get the will registered with the help of an advocate. If the will is written in the handwriting of the testator the bonafides of the will cannot be disputed by the legal representatives. Please confirm that such handwritten will bears date and signature of the testator and two witnesses. It is advisable to choose family doctor and another person known to the family as witnesses to the will. Younger person as witness is preferred. Witness should be of good integrity to stand by the will if such need arises.
d) To avoid litigation for succession by questioning the will, Settlement of property retaining the life estate is advisable. Stamp duty for such instrument is at a concessional rate in some states.
e) A person living in isolation without spouse or issues will have to plan properly the disposal of their assets and belongings in advancing age and when they fall sick or have irreversible health problems.
f) Make it a practice to keep all important documents, title deeds of property, jewellery, FDs, Shares, Deeds, LIC policies other financial instruments and valuable assets in a safe place and periodically brief about the same to the close persons in the family.
g) If adequate precaution is not taken to enable the successors/beneficiaries to realize and enjoy the hard earned wealth, time and energy will be wasted in litigation besides delay in encashment of investments.
Source: The above article is Published in the Journal of August 2014 by Kanara Chamber of commerce & Industry
Almost 15 million elderly Indians live all alone and close to three-fourths of them are women. In some states like Tamil Nadu the proportion of such ‘single elders’ is even higher with one in eleven of those aged above 60 living alone. One in every seven elderly persons in India lives in a household where there is nobody below the age of 60. In states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, a quarter of the elderly population lives in such all-elderly households.
The Global AgeWatch Index 2014 has ranked India a lowly 69th among 96 countries it has ranked on how friendly the countries are for senior citizens.
A lot of activities are being planned by various organizations during the first week of October in view of the Elders’ day.
Bhiwadi – NCR township on NH 8 is all set to host 2 days senior citizen sports and culture activities. ‘Jashan’ as the event titled, is a unique initiative by Active senior living a retirement housing venture of Ashiana Housing Limited. The 2 days extravaganza on will take place on Sep27- 28, 2014 will witness participation of over 500 Senior citizens from Jaipur and Lavasa retirement communities. Some of the key sports activities being took place during ‘Jashan’ will be table tennis tournaments, badminton, chess, a mini marathon besides sports activities there are competitions like flower arrangements, salad making singing, dancing. On the second a glittering ramp show, showcasing the theme of Bride & Groom will be organised where senior citizen will walk the ramp.
Earlier today, we addressed a ladies club at a defence colony in Chennai. The purpose of the meeting was two-fold, one to tell them about the products we have and the other to get suggestions of products they may want us to deal with.
Kungumam – A Tamil Magazine brings out another magazine/supplement called Thozhi and they recently brought out an Independence Day issue covering many aspects of senior life in India.
SAMBALPUR: In a bid to provide safety to elderly citizens, who are becoming easy target of criminals, SP Prateek Mohanty launched a Senior Citizen Security Cell here on Tuesday.
Udhavi – A volunteer group that provides companionship services to elders in their area was covered by the Hindu last week. Excerpts below.
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