Next Of Kin: A Title With No Power
After Mr. Chukwu died in a car accident, his wife, Ngozi, had to stay strong for their three children. Two weeks after the funeral, school was resuming and she needed to pay fees.
Her husband had been a good man who saved diligently. But he never set up an estate plan — no Will, no Trust, nothing. Just his name on bank accounts with his brother listed as next of kin.
She went to the bank with all the documents — marriage certificate, death certificate, everything.
"I just need to withdraw for my children's school fees," she told the officer.
He looked at her with sympathy. "Ma, your husband listed his brother as next of kin on this account. Without a Will or Letter of Administration, we can't release the funds. It has to go through probate."
"How long?"
"Six months minimum. Maybe longer."
Desperate, Ngozi called her husband's brother.
"Please, can you help me access the money? Just for the children's school fees."
There was a long pause. "Sister Ngozi, I want to help. But the bank said even as next of kin, I can only be contacted. I can't withdraw the money either. We have to wait for probate."
That's when it hit her. Being next of kin meant nothing. The title was just a name on paper.
So she waited. And borrowed. And begged the school for extensions. She sold her jewelry to buy textbooks. Her children watched her struggle, confused why Daddy's money couldn't help them.
Eight months later, the probate cleared.
The next week, Ngozi was at FCMB Trustees.
"My husband didn't plan. I won't make that mistake," she said firmly.
The officer helped her set up a Living Trust and an Education Trust. Now her children are actual beneficiaries with a trustee who can release funds immediately if anything happens to her. She also created a Will with guardianship provisions and clear instructions on how her children should be cared for.
Today, Ngozi knows that if the unexpected happens, her children won't have to wait months to access what's meant for them.
Because her husband had savings but no plan. She has both.
At FCMB Trustees, we help parents create complete estate plans through Living Trusts, Education Trusts, and Wills that protect your children immediately — not after months of legal delays.
Let's help you plan ahead. Your children's future shouldn't wait for probate.
FCMB Trustees — Because planning today means protection tomorrow.
Take the first step toward lasting peace of mind with FCMB Trustees.
We specialize in Living Trusts, Education Trusts, Wills, and Endowment Funds—helping you secure your legacy and protect what matters most.
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