The Law with Max – WILLS – “Granny bin say it na fu go so”

A young man came to me recently seeking help to transfer the deed of the house he lives in into his own name. The catch? The house is still registered in his late grandmother’s name. She left behind 17 children, and now every one of them is lining up to claim a share. The young man had cared for his grandmother until her passing, and she had told him, time and again, that the house would be his.

When I explained that legally, he was not entitled to anything but his mother (one of the 17 children) is entitled to only a 1/17th of that property – while his aunts and uncles together hold the rest – he insisted that what I was saying did not make sense and said he would ask another lawyer because “Granny bin say it na fu go so.”

That statement reminded me why Wills are so important. At just 21 years old, I have already done a Will for myself. Why? The only certainty in life is death—and when that day comes, I want my wishes to be clear. I don’t want confusion, fighting, or disappointment.

Why “Granny’s promise” isn’t enough

1. Property only passes by deed or by Will – If Granny didn’t give you that land by a Deed of Gift while she was alive, and she didn’t leave a Will, then it doesn’t matter what she said. The law—not her promise—decides where it goes.

2. Intestacy law decides who inherits – In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, if someone dies without a Will, their estate is shared out according to the laws of intestacy. These rules follow a strict priority list. You might be on that list, but not as close to the top as you think.

a. First in line is the spouse. Imagine Granny’s long-lost husband—who left her in 1980 and never divorced—returning to claim one-third of her assets.
b. Next are her children—including the ones who never even showed up at her funeral.
c. Then her parents, followed by full siblings, then half-siblings, then grandparents, and then aunts and uncles if they still exist.

As you can see, what Granny may have wanted and what the law says can be two very different things.

3. A Will gives you control – Making a Will ensures that your property—land, house, money, or personal items—goes to the people you choose, not just those the law picks. It also prevents unnecessary family conflict

So, “Granny bin say” may carry weight in family conversations, but in the eyes of the law, it’s meaningless without a deed or a Will. The best gift you can leave your family is clarity. Speak to your Attorney today and make your Will.