A testament is a document that functions to establish the parameters by which the succession of a person will be governed; that is, the instructions left by the testator regarding his or her estate after his or her death. In El Salvador and other countries, the importance of preparing a Testament is becoming increasingly important to ensure the future of your family and loved ones.

In the television magazine Viva La Mañana, of Telecorporación Salvadoreña, we talked and advised the audience from the experience and trajectory of our managing partner, Héctor Torres.

Héctor Torres explained that it is necessary to elaborate a testament with a lawyer and notary in order to protect your family and your patrimony. In that sense, Torres recommended the audience to get advice from experts to ensure the family and professional legacy without future worries.

“Making a will is a simple and inexpensive process that allows you to decide where your assets go. This is the best way to make a will because the will is legally registered, which facilitates the transfer of assets and avoids problems with family, friends or co-workers,” he added.

Among the requirements to make a testament in El Salvador is the presentation of a photocopy of the Identity Card of the person interested in granting the testament and a photocopy of the identity card of 3 witnesses.

In addition, Salvadoran law requires that, at the time of making the testament, there must be present 3 competent witnesses who have full use of reason, who speak and understand the language of the testator, as well as a photocopy of the identity card of the heirs.

Our expert recommends making a list of the assets such as houses, transportation vehicles, extensions of land or jewelry that are going to be inherited, trying to be specific and mentioning to whom the asset will be left.

Another aspect to take into account is that, if the person wishes, he/she can include in his/her testament a legacy of solidarity and extend his/her support to causes or institutions that are important to him/her, whether they are for the benefit of the population, the environment or for economic development, without harming the legitimate inheritance of his/her heirs.

Another of the frequently asked questions on this subject, which our lawyer answered, is about the modification of the document. Torres answered that the testament can be modified as many times as required, by meeting with your trusted notary to rewrite the testament.

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