How Safe Is It to Set Up a Will or Trust Online in Nigeria?
Creating a Will or Trust online in Nigeria is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your assets. In recent years, a number of websites now offer online tools to draft these documents quickly and at low cost. But before you click “Create My Will” or “Start My Trust,” here are the key things you should understand to keep your estate plan both secure and legally valid in Nigeria.
1. Nigerian Law Still Rules
No matter where you draft your Will or Trust, Nigerian inheritance law governs what happens to your property when you die. Under the Probate Registry Act and relevant state laws, a Will must meet certain formal requirements,like being signed by you in the presence of two witnesses who also sign.
An online template alone cannot waive those rules. If your document does not follow the letter of Nigerian law, it may be rejected by the probate court when your estate is submitted for administration.
2. Quality of the Online Service Matters
Not every online Will‑writing site is created equal. Some platforms simply fill in generic templates that may not address local issues in Nigeria,such as multiple wives, customary land rights or the administration of oil‑palm groves in the South. Before you commit, review the provider’s credentials:
- Registered Legal Firm: Is the service backed by a Nigerian law firm or at least by a lawyer licensed in Nigeria?
- Local Customisation: Does it offer guidance on state‑specific laws or common family structures?
- Customer Reviews and Success Rate: Have other Nigerians used it successfully to pass probate without problems?
3. Beware of Data Security Risks
Setting up a Will or Trust online means sharing very sensitive personal information,names of heirs, bank accounts, property addresses and more. Make sure the site you use employs:
- SSL Encryption: Look for “https://” and a padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar.
- Secure Storage: Personal data should be stored in encrypted form on servers located in reputable data centres.
- Privacy Policy: The company must clearly explain how your data is used, who can access it and how long it is retained.
4. The Role of a Local Lawyer
Even if you draft most of the document online, it is wise to involve a qualified Nigerian lawyer at the end of the process. A lawyer can:
- Review and Adapt: Check that your Will or Trust matches local formalities and your personal wishes.
- Witness and Notarise: Supervise signing and witnessing to prevent future disputes.
- File for Probate: Guide your executors or trustees on how to submit the Will to the probate registry when the time comes.
5. Costs vs. Value
Online services advertise low upfront fees, often between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 for a basic Will. In‑person lawyer drafting can run ₦100,000 or more.
But remember: a cheaply made document that fails in court is far more costly in stress, delay and lost inheritance. View online drafting as a first draft or outline rather than the final step.
6. Managing Updates and Storage
Life changes,marriage, children, and new property mean your Will or Trust may need updating. A good online service will allow you to:
- Edit Easily: Access and revise your document without starting over.
- Version Tracking: Keep a record of past versions in case any questions arise.
- Secure Vault: Store the final, signed PDF in a secure digital vault with retrieval instructions for your executors.
7. Practical Next Steps
- Research Thoroughly: Compare at least three reputable online platforms, focusing on Nigerian legal compatibility.
- Draft Your Document: Use the online tool to create a clear outline of your wishes.
- Consult a Local Lawyer: Have the draft professionally reviewed and properly witnessed.
- Finalise and Store: Sign in the presence of two witnesses, notarise if required, and keep copies—both digital and hard‑copy—in safe places.