What are the legal requirements for a valid will in Zimbabwe?

Under the Wills Act [Chapter 6:06], a valid will in Zimbabwe must be: (1) in writing, (2) signed by the testator at the end, (3) signed in the presence of two competent witnesses who are at least 16 years old and not beneficiaries, and (4) the testator must be at least 16 years old and of sound mind.

What happens if you die without a will in Zimbabwe?

If you die intestate (without a will), your estate is distributed according to the Deceased Estates Succession Act or, for customary marriages, customary law. The surviving spouse typically receives the house and household goods, with the remainder divided between the spouse and children. The Master of the High Court appoints an administrator.

Can I write my own will in Zimbabwe?

Yes. There is no requirement that a will be drafted by a lawyer in Zimbabwe. A handwritten will is valid as long as it meets the Wills Act requirements. However, professional drafting is recommended to avoid ambiguity and ensure your wishes are properly documented.

Who can be an executor in Zimbabwe?

Any competent adult can be an executor. You can appoint a family member, trusted friend, or a professional (lawyer, accountant, or trust company). The executor must be approved by the Master of the High Court. It is wise to appoint an alternate executor in case the first cannot serve.

Will Template Zimbabwe — Free Download & Legal Requirements

Why You Need a Will in Zimbabwe

A will (also called a testament or last will and testament) is a legal document that sets out how your assets should be distributed after your death. In Zimbabwe, wills are governed by the Wills Act [Chapter 6:06] and the Administration of Estates Act [Chapter 6:01].

Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestate succession — which may not reflect your wishes. This can lead to family disputes, delays in estate administration, and unnecessary hardship for your dependants.

Fact: It is estimated that over 70% of Zimbabweans die without a will. This leads to lengthy estate administration processes, family disputes, and in many cases, surviving spouses and children being dispossessed of their rightful inheritance.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will

Under the Wills Act, a will is valid if it meets these requirements:

Requirement	Details
In Writing	The will must be written (typed or handwritten). Oral wills are not valid.
Signed by Testator	The testator (person making the will) must sign at the end of the will
Two Witnesses	The testator must sign in the presence of two witnesses who are present at the same time
Witness Requirements	Witnesses must be at least 16, competent, and must NOT be beneficiaries of the will
Testator's Age	The testator must be at least 16 years old
Sound Mind	The testator must have testamentary capacity (understand what they are doing)

Important: A witness or their spouse must NOT be a beneficiary of the will. If a witness is also a beneficiary, the bequest to that witness is void (though the rest of the will remains valid).

What to Include in Your Will

Personal details — Full name, ID number, address
Revocation clause — "I hereby revoke all previous wills and codicils"
Executor appointment — Who will administer your estate
Guardian appointment — Who will care for minor children
Specific bequests — Particular items or amounts to specific people
Residuary estate — Who gets everything else not specifically mentioned
Funeral wishes — Optional but helpful
Date and signatures — Testator and two witnesses

Appointing an Executor

The executor is the person responsible for administering your estate after death. Their duties include:

Reporting the estate to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of death
Taking inventory of all assets and liabilities
Paying debts and funeral expenses
Filing the estate account with the Master
Distributing assets to beneficiaries

You can appoint any competent adult as executor. Professional executors (lawyers, trust companies) charge fees, typically 3.5% of the gross estate value plus VAT.

Intestate Succession (No Will)

If you die without a will under a civil (Chapter 5:11) marriage:

The surviving spouse receives the matrimonial home, household goods, and a share of the remaining estate
Children share the remainder equally
If no spouse or children, the estate passes to parents, then siblings, then extended family

For customary marriages, the Deceased Estates Succession Act and customary law apply, which can result in different outcomes — particularly regarding widows' rights and the role of the deceased's family.

Wills for Diaspora Zimbabweans

If you live abroad but own property in Zimbabwe, you should have:

A Zimbabwe will dealing with your Zimbabwe assets (property, bank accounts, shares)
A separate will in your country of residence for assets there
Ensure the wills do not conflict — each should state it only covers assets in that jurisdiction

Costs

Service	Estimated Cost (USD)
Simple will (ZimDocs template)	Free download
Will preparation (lawyer)	$50–$200
Complex will (trusts, multiple properties)	$200–$500
Estate administration	3.5% of gross estate + VAT

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for a valid will?

Must be in writing, signed by the testator at the end, signed in the presence of two witnesses (at least 16, not beneficiaries), and the testator must be of sound mind and at least 16 years old.

What happens if I die without a will?

Your estate is distributed by intestate succession rules. The surviving spouse gets the home and household goods; children share the remainder. The Master of the High Court appoints an administrator.

Can I write my own will?

Yes. No lawyer is required. A handwritten will is valid as long as it meets the Wills Act requirements. But professional drafting is recommended to avoid ambiguity.

Who can be an executor?

Any competent adult — family member, friend, or professional. They must be approved by the Master of the High Court.

Will Template Zimbabwe