A Barbadian will is similar to any other will in any country. The principles surrounding the drafting of wills are pretty much settled and can be applied universally. The main clauses of a last will and testament are:

1. The Declaration-“This is the Last Will and Testament of John White…”
2. The Appointment of an Executor or Executors- “I hereby appoint… to be my Executor…”
3. Direction to Executor-“I direct my Executor to pay all of my just debts and funeral expenses”
4. Giving of Property-“I give my property at Bridgetown to my daughter…”
5. Residuary-“I give all the rest and residue of my estate to my daughter…”

In Barbados, Attorneys still use old legal drafting words and phrases. Therefore, the “giving of property” clause will state: “I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH my property…”. All three words mean the same thing but using all three words seems to leave no room for doubt.

The above is the simple face of a will. We hope that you will use it as a guide when giving instructions to your Attorney-at-Law to draft your Last Will and Testament.