20 Get Will Done, Many Seek Legal Advice

Officers from the Legal Aid Commission were able to write up 20 wills and advise 63 people on a range of legal issues at the Nakasi Roadshow yesterday.

A will is a legal document that indicates how a person wants his or her estate (money and property) to be distributed after death.

Wills must expressly state to whom the will belongs and be signed, dated and include the signatures of at least two witnesses.

Legal officer and team leader Kavshik Prasad said people also used the opportunity to utilise the commission’s services.

“There is a general awareness out there as to what the Legal Aid Commission does, however there are some people who did not get a chance to come and see us,” he said.

“We have seen an increase in the number of people coming to get their wills done. This is because our director Shahin Ali had announced they would do away with the means test.

“This means that unlike other legal services, anybody can come and get their wills made with the Legal Aid Commission despite what their income is.”

Mr Prasad said there was a general understanding of the law and constitutional rights among members of the public they had met.

“It is different with different individuals. We are hoping that the roadshows are also an opportunity for many people to learn about their rights,” he said.

The commission will continue hosting the roadshows and more rural areas are on the agenda.

The commission aims to provide legal services to those people who are unable to afford the services of a private legal practitioner.

Edited by Percy Kean

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