67 applications have been received so far from families of the deceased claiming compensation for deaths caused by a motor vehicle accident.

This was revealed by the Accident Compensation Commission.

Out of these, none of the victims had a Will and this is one of the challenges that the Commission has observed while processing compensation applications.

ACCF Chief Executive Parvez Akbar says this goes to show that Fiji has a poor track record when it comes to wills and it’s not a good sign.

It’s not a challenge for the Commission but not having a will becomes a challenge for the family members of the person who died because they will have to run around to put their house in order so people should either visit a private lawyer or the Legal Aid Commission to get some assistance and put things in order so it’s easy for their loved ones after they have died.

[Accident Compensation Commission CEO Parvez Akbar]

Under the Wills Act 1972, every person over the age of 18 should have a Will, as, without one, a person dies in a state of intestacy.

This means where the deceased person’s property goes must be determined by the State in accordance with legal principles related to intestacy.

A well drafted Will is a legal document that enables a person (known as the Testator) to ensure that his or her wishes are respected after death with regard to how property owned by the Testator is distributed.