By Saskia Warrick
December 19, 2024
The National Assembly has passed significant amendments to the Wills Act, promising to provide much-needed relief to families across Guyana by simplifying the probate process.
The changes modernize the Wills Act, which had remained largely unchanged since its last revision in 1910.
The newly passed amendments are designed to fast-track probate applications, reducing the financial and time burdens on families during the often complex process of validating wills and distributing estates.
One of the key features of the reform is that it reduces the number of formalities required to deem a will valid.
Under the new law, only one witness is needed to swear an affidavit confirming the authenticity of a will, replacing the current requirement of two witnesses.
Additionally, the bill grants the Minister of Legal Affairs the authority to create regulations concerning the execution of wills, with the potential for fines up to $1 million and imprisonment for up to five years for breaches of the law.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall outlined the new formalities and emphasized that the changes will simplify the process and reduce delays.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, also supported the bill, highlighting how the reduction of procedural hurdles would minimize family disputes over estates.
This reform is expected to make the process of handling estates more efficient, providing smoother resolutions for families during what can be a stressful and costly time.