KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says too many Jamaicans are dying intestate resulting in the authorities here having to handle billions One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) in properties of those who have died without leaving a will.
A will is a legal document containing instructions and wishes on how persons want their estate, property, and assets to be distributed after death.
Chuck said that the Administrator General’s Department (AGD) had been burdened dealing with the situation and that the department, which is the entity responsible for handling the estates of persons, who die without making a will, is managing over J$50 billion (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) in property and continues to see increases of between 300 and 500 cases every year.
“Even though they are completing just under 500 cases per year, they’re still getting a similar amount with the understanding that they have nearly 5,000 files working on at any time,” he noted.
Chuck told a weekend seminar on “Securing Your Legacy’ that the making of a will is not “an omen” as some people believe, but rather a practical measure to provide for loved ones in the event of an unexpected situation, ensuring a smooth transfer of assets and minimizing conflicts among family members.
He said that the issue of ‘dead leff,’ where individuals pass away without leaving a clear legal document detailing the distribution of their assets, often leads to disputes and violence and that there is an urgent need for individuals to take proactive measures to avoid such scenarios.
“I want to emphasize to those who are listening; when a person dies without making a will, the people fight over your dead left. Nothing creates more violence, grievances, conflicts, and death than dead leff across Jamaica, with people fighting over what they never expected, what they believe they should get, and what they think the deceased person should have left for them,” Chuck said.
He explained that a will provides a straightforward solution to ensure one’s wishes are respected and assets are allocated according to their desires. By explicitly stating their intentions, he pointed out. Persons can spare their loved ones from legal battles and uncertainty.
“The challenge you have, especially with persons who have children, when you don’t make a will, the children suffer for many years until the Administrator General can put together whatever is available so that it can be distributed to the children.”
Chuck said persons should be encouraged to make wills to avoid unnecessary burdens on the State and its departments.
He cited the example of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), which requires all soldiers to make a will, thereby minimizing complications for their families in case of any unfortunate event.
“It is… not to force them like the JDF because people have options… but just tell them to make a simple will. A will can be a one-page document until you acquire much property. Then it can be several pages,” Chuck said.
and then 