Wills Writing 遗嘱撰写

What is a Will? 什么是遗嘱？

A will is a legal document in which you declare your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, the appointment of an executor to administer your estate, and the naming of guardians for your minor children after your death. Under the Wills Act 1959 (for non-Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak), a will must be written, signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the will. Having a properly drafted will is the most basic yet vital step in estate planning to protect your family's future. It allows you to direct your legacy according to your values and ensure your loved ones are provided for. 遗嘱是一份法律文件，您在其中声明您去世后关于资产分配的意愿、指定执行人来管理您的遗产，以及指定未成年子女的监护人。根据《1959年遗嘱法令》（适用于马来西亚半岛及砂拉越的非穆斯林），遗嘱必须是书面的，并由立遗嘱人在至少两名非遗嘱受益人的证人在场的情况下签名。拥有一份妥善起草的遗嘱是遗产规划中最基础但至关重要的一步，可以保护家人的未来。它使您能够根据自己的价值观引导遗产传承，并确保您的亲人得到照顾。

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? 如果您在未留遗嘱的情况下离世会怎样？

Dying without a will (intestate) in Malaysia initiates a complicated legal process where your assets are frozen and distributed strictly according to the Distribution Act 1958. Your family will have no control over who receives what. Instead, the law determines the shares among your spouse, children, and parents. More importantly, the administration process becomes much longer and more expensive. The family must apply to the High Court for Letters of Administration and find two sureties (guarantors) to secure the estate administration, causing delays of 1 to 3 years before any assets can be released to support your family. These delays can be minimized by coordinating will writing with broader estate planning strategies. 在马来西亚，无遗嘱去世（无遗嘱死亡）会引发复杂的法律程序，您的资产将被冻结，并严格根据《1958年分配法令》进行分配。您的家人将无法控制资产的去向。相反，法律将决定您的配偶、子女和父母之间的份额。更重要的是，管理程序变得更加漫长和昂贵。家属必须向高等法院申请遗产管理书，并寻找两位担保人（Sureties）来保障遗产管理，这会导致在资产释放给家人之前出现一到三年的延迟。通过将遗嘱撰写与更广泛的遗产规划策略相结合，可以最大程度地减少这些延误。

How to Write a Valid Will in Malaysia 如何在马来西亚撰写一份有效的遗嘱

To ensure your will is valid and legally binding in Malaysia, it must satisfy several statutory criteria under the Wills Act 1959. First, the testator must be of sound mind and at least 18 years of age. Second, the will must be in writing. Third, the testator must sign the bottom of the will in the simultaneous presence of two witnesses. Fourth, the witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the testator and each other. Crucially, the witnesses and their spouses cannot be beneficiaries under the will; if they are, their benefit is void, although the will remains valid. Coordinating with a trustee during probate administration ensures execution goes smoothly. 为了确保您的遗嘱在马来西亚有效且具有法律约束力，它必须满足《1959年遗嘱法令》规定的几项法定标准。首先，立遗嘱人必须精神健全且年满18岁。第二，遗嘱必须是书面的。第三，立遗嘱人必须在两位证人同时在场的情况下在遗嘱底部签名。第四，证人必须在立遗嘱人及彼此在场的情况下在遗嘱上签名。至关重要的是，证人及其配偶不能是遗嘱下的受益人；如果他们是，虽然遗嘱本身仍然有效，但他们的受益份额将被视作无效。在后期的遗嘱认证与遗产管理中与受托机构进行配合，可确保执行顺利。

The Role of an Executor 执行人的角色

Appointing a reliable executor in your will is critical. The executor is the person or entity responsible for petitioning the court for probate, consolidating your assets, paying off your outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate according to your instructions. While you can appoint individuals (such as family members), many choose to appoint professional corporate trustee companies like Global Asset Trustee to act as executor. This prevents administrative blockades if the individual executor predeceases you or is unable to manage the complex legal and financial processes involved in probate administration. 在您的遗嘱中指定一位可靠的执行人至关重要。执行人是负责向法院申请遗嘱认证、整理您的资产、清偿您未偿债务和税款，并根据您的指示分配剩余遗产的个人或实体。虽然您可以指定个人（如家庭成员），但许多人选择指定像环球资产信托（GAT）这样的专业法人信托公司担任执行人。这可以防止在个人执行人比您先去世或无法管理遗嘱认证管理所涉及的复杂法律和财务程序时，出现管理陷入僵局的情况。

Will Writing Cost Overview 遗嘱撰写费用概述

Writing a will in Malaysia can cost anywhere from RM300 to RM10,000 or more, depending on complexity. A simple will with a few assets and beneficiaries drafted by a lawyer or corporate trustee typically ranges from RM300 to RM1,500. For complex wills involving trust setups, multiple properties, or overseas assets, costs can range from RM2,000 to RM8,000 or more. Corporate trustees also charge fees for acting as executor, usually based on a percentage of the estate value at the time of administration (ranging from 1% to 2%, depending on complexity). All fee structures are stated as ranges and vary case-by-case. 在马来西亚，撰写遗嘱的费用在300令吉至10,000令吉或更多不等，具体取决于复杂程度。由律师或信托公司起草的、仅含少数资产和受益人的简单遗嘱，费用通常在300令吉至1,500令吉之间。对于涉及信托设立、多处房产或海外资产的复杂遗嘱，费用可能在2,000令吉至8,000令吉或更多。法人受托人担任执行人也会收取费用，通常根据管理时遗产价值的比例计算（在1%至2%之间，视复杂程度而定）。所有收费结构均已列为区间形式，并因案而异。

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. 免责声明：本内容仅供学习参考之用，并不构成任何法律或财务建议。