A S&Co Story: The Quiet Power of a Will
It was a regular Thursday morning at S&Co. The quiet hum
of ceiling fans mixed with the tapping of keyboards. CA Srini, a Chartered
Accountant and also a Certified Trust & Estate Planner, had just wrapped up
a call with an old client. His tone had been firm yet gentle, and the call
ended with a calm, “Let’s put that in writing. I’ll have the draft updated and
shared.”
Prajakta, a junior at the firm for a little over two years,
looked up from her seat, puzzled. “What was that about?” she whispered to
Dhawal, a senior associate seated across from her.
“Something about modifying a Will,” Dhawal replied, unsure.
“Come, let’s ask Srini sir directly.”
They walked into Srini’s cabin, where he was making notes on a
notepad. Srini looked up and smiled, “What brings the two of you here?”
“Sir,” Prajakta said, “I heard you speaking about a Will... I
mean, I’ve always thought Wills were only for the very wealthy or those with
complex family businesses. Is it really that important for everyone?”
Srini leaned back in his chair and paused, as he often did
when beginning a story.
“I was just talking to a client in his early 50s. His wife
passed away last year, and he wants to now make a few changes in the Will to
provide for his daughter, who’s getting married next month. He had created a
Will ten years ago but never revisited it since. Life changes, so should your
plans.”
He continued, “You see, a Will is a quiet document. It doesn’t
shout. But it carries immense power. It gives voice to someone who may no
longer be around to speak. Without a Will, even a modest family with a flat, a
car, some bank balances, and maybe an insurance policy can get caught in years
of emotional and legal confusion.”
Prajakta nodded slowly, still absorbing.
Srini added, “Estate planning isn’t about being rich. It’s
about being responsible. Whether it's a parent wanting to ensure guardianship
for a minor child, or a single person wanting their assets to go to a trusted
friend or charity, a Will ensures intent becomes instruction. And it
costs little to write, but means everything after.”
Dhawal chimed in, “But sir, can’t nomination take care of
everything?”
Srini smiled. “A common misconception. A nominee is just a
trustee - not the final beneficiary, unless clearly specified in a Will or
other legal document. Without a Will, legal heirs must be involved, and even
one disagreement can stall the whole process. A clear Will, properly signed and
attested, makes transition smooth, respectful, and quick.”
Prajakta finally asked, “So, should I be telling my parents to
make a Will?”
“Not just your parents,” Srini said gently. “You should
consider one too. If you have assets, or even just clarity about what should
happen if you’re not around - then yes, it’s time.”
As the two walked out of the cabin, Srini returned to his
notepad. Another Will to draft - another legacy to protect.
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