The One Document NRIs Consistently Overlook

Imagine this: You’re living your best life abroad, building a career, creating memories, and planning for the future. Yet, there’s one crucial aspect many NRIs overlook – a local will that protects everything you’ve worked so hard to build.

A Story That Could Happen to Anyone

In 2019, a tragedy struck an NRI family in the UK. Both parents were lost in a car accident, leaving behind two young children aged 4 and 7. What followed was a nightmare that could have been prevented:

• Children placed in foster care
• 8 months of legal battles
• Significant emotional and financial strain
• Relatives helpless to intervene

The root cause? A simple oversight – the absence of a local will.

The Global Citizen’s Blind Spot

As Benjamin Franklin once said,

In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.

While we NRIs are great at planning our taxes and investments, we often shy away from the most critical planning of all – protecting our loved ones when we’re no longer around.

Why Your Indian Will Won’t Cut It

Here’s a hard truth: Your Indian will is essentially a piece of paper in your country of residence. Wills are governed by local laws, which means:

• An Indian will may not be legally recognized
• Your assets could be tied up in complex legal procedures
• Your family’s wishes might be completely ignored

The Real-World Consequences

Without a local will, you risk:

• Social services taking temporary custody of your children
• Complex cross-border legal challenges
• Potential cultural misunderstandings in asset distribution
• Significant financial and emotional burden on your family

What a Proper Will Can Do

A well-crafted local will is your family’s lifeline. It can:

• Specify guardianship for your children
• Protect your assets across borders
• Ensure your cultural and religious preferences are respected especially during cremation.
• Provide clear instructions for immediate action
• Give your loved ones peace of mind

Taking Action: Your NRI Survival Guide

• Consult Experts: Find legal professionals who understand both in country of residence and India.
• Be Specific: Detail your wishes for guardianship, asset distribution, and cultural considerations
• Update Regularly: Life changes, and so should your will
• Communicate: Ensure your family knows about the will’s existence and location

For UK NRIs, NRIWallah has partnered with Octopus Legal (part of Octopus Group) to offer simplified will writing services for NRIs, providing a 10% discount with code NRIWALLAH10 for simple or standard will preparation.

For those preferring personal consultation, you can discuss your case by calling +44 20 45253605.

For NRIs without a will in India, NRIWallah has partnered with VakilSearch to provide comprehensive legal protection. Enjoy 20% off your first will preparation and secure your family’s future across borders.

Lasting Power of Attorney

UK NRIs can prepare a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), which is similar to India’s Power of Attorney for economic affairs. However, this LPA specifically comes into effect during critical situations like strokes, serious accidents, or dementia. NRIWallah recommends obtaining an LPA, as the alternative—securing a deputy through the Court of Protection—is a complex and costly process.

Octopus Legal offers comprehensive LPA preparation for both Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs, with packages starting from as low as £80 (excluding OPG registration fees), which you can do after preparing your will.