Govt admit spike in inheritance, wills disputes

DAR ES SALAAM – The government has noted a sharp increase of inheritance and wills related disputes which are threatening to damage family relationships.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mary Makondo told reporters shortly after visiting the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSLAC) pavilion at the ongoing Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) held at the Mwalimu J.K. Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds in Temeke.

“We are witnessing a surge in inheritance and wills wrangles every year. The number of disputes proceeding all the way to trial, normally an incredibly small percentage of the total number of disputes,” she said.

Citing the campaign, the PS said over 600 claims have so far been filed at the court of law for litigation. Ms Makondo called on the public to seize the opportunity and visit the pavilion to gain understanding on various legal issues.

The Ministry’s campaign aims to bring legal aid service closer to the public. However, she said the public should visit the pavilion. The information available includes those related to marriage, inheritance issues, land and other legal matters.

Ms. Makondo highlighted that the government built a One Stop Center for Probate and Family Matters in Temeke which has helped fast track several family related disputes.

Specialist contentious probate solicitors urge that stigma of separation and divorce barely exists. Accordingly, they say the family unit often includes second marriages, partners living together who are not married as well as step children and half siblings.

Also read : Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign benefits 490,000

All of these relationships do give rise to complications when people are considering how to give their assets in their will. It is understandable that people feel conflicted between gifting blood relatives such as children with the desire to provide for future generations as against the legal and / or moral obligation to give assets to one’s life partner.

Acting Director of Legal Aid Service in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Ms. Ester Msambazi thanked the government for initiating the campaign underscoring the commitment by both the President (Samia Suluhu Hassan) and the Minister (Dr. Pindi Chana).

The Senior officer in the Ministry said the number of people seeking legal assistance are also inquiring about marriage and divorce. “Most women that we are attending here have faced gender based violence and or they are looking for child support,” she said.