Why Next of Kin Doesn’t Guarantee Inheritance

When Mrs. Balogun passed away at 72, her children felt a sense of calm amid the grief — Mama had prepared a Will, after all.

They gathered for the reading of the Will weeks later, confident everything was in order. But as the Will was read aloud, their smiles slowly faded. The house in Magodo was covered, yes — but not her joint business account, her investments, or the newly acquired land in Ibadan.

The lawyer looked up and said gently,

“A Will only covers what’s properly documented. Everything else must go through probate — and that can be long and complicated.”

Her eldest son, Tola, frowned. “But Mama listed me as her next of kin on all her forms — doesn’t that count?”

The lawyer shook his head.

“Being a next of kin doesn’t make you the owner. Without proper planning, assets can remain frozen for years.”

That day, Tola understood something he’d never considered — his mother thought she was protecting her family, but some of her most valuable assets were left unprotected because she relied on next of kin and didn’t update her estate plan.

Months later, he visited FCMB Trustees to create his own Living Trust and Education Trust — determined to ensure his children never face the same confusion.

The truth?

Next of kin is your closest relative for contact in emergencies or death, but it doesn’t guarantee inheritance rights.

Estate planning is the voice that speaks for you when you no longer can.

At FCMB Trustees, we help you set up Wills, Living Trusts, Education Trusts, and Endowments that ensure your legacy lives on exactly as you intend.

Let’s help you plan ahead. Secure your peace of mind today.

Let’s help you plan ahead.
Reach out to us today to start your journey toward lasting peace of mind. 

At FCMB Trustees, we help you create Living Trusts, Education Trusts, Wills, and Endowments that secure your wishes and protect what matters most.

Get Started:

[Education Trust]:http:// https://fcmbtrustees.com/page.php?a=endowment-foundation-management

[Endowment Trust Fund] https://fcmbtrustees.com/page.php?a=education-trust

For more information, please reach us via the channels below:

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Email: fcmbtrustees@fcmb.com, Favour.Azubuike@fcmb.com

Telephone: 020 1 290 2721,+234 70 7554 9534, +234 903 392 8512