#Japan #Estate Planning #inheritance #Minato #Authense Law Office

Insightful Findings from Authense Law Office

Authense Law Office, located in Minato, Tokyo, focuses on understanding the emotions of individuals while providing legal solutions, has released its latest findings in "Will Report 2025" on November 15th, coinciding with the "Good Will Day". This report sheds light on the current state of will preparation in Japan, derived from extensive web-based surveys assessing awareness and experiences related to wills among the populace.

Purpose of the Report

Every year, Authense Law Office publishes this will report to increase awareness surrounding wills and promote better inheritance practices. The firm has handled numerous inheritance cases, emphasizing the critical importance of proactive planning. They stress that creating a will is not complicated when approached step-by-step. However, a will must be created while one is healthy, as conditions such as illness or old age can hinder the process. Hence, the slogan “Now is the time to prepare” is pertinent for fostering a smoother inheritance process that minimizes familial disputes.

Reasons for Not Creating Wills

The report highlights compelling statistics: a significant number of people express hesitance in preparing wills mainly due to two reasons— "I have little inheritance to leave" (22.5%) and "I am still healthy" (18.9%). Many individuals are misled into believing that only wealthy individuals need to prepare wills. This report journeys beyond surface-level assumptions to explore the real needs for inheritance preparation.

Experiences submitted by individuals aged 50 and above, who have witnessed parental inheritance, tell a different story. Among families with assets less than 5 million yen, 6.3% have experienced disputes, while 9.7% in the 5-10 million yen range reported similar issues. This information underscores that inheritance conflicts can arise irrespective of one’s financial standing. The idea that the absence of wealth precludes conflict is notably misguided, highlighting the necessity of early preparation.

Moreover, the misconception of being healthy enough not to need a will can have severe implications. Legal validity in executing a will requires the individual's capacity to make sound judgments. If cognitive decline or dementia sets in, even a legally executed document could face invalidation. According to estimates provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 1 in 5 individuals aged over 65 will have dementia by 2030, further reiterating that the right time to draft a will is during one's healthy years.

Authense Law Office aims to eliminate these misconceptions and advocate for a society where everyone can prepare for their future in their own way.

Further Insights from the 2025 Report

The "Will Report 2025" provides comprehensive data beyond what has been discussed, showcasing generational differences and various real-life inheritance conflicts. It acts as a resource for understanding the mindset of Japanese individuals concerning wills, which can help prompt necessary discussions.

Conversations Around Inheritance

In addition to the report, Authense Law Office has introduced "L!fe Talk", a conversation guide aimed at easing discussions about inheritance between family members. This tool encourages families to share stories and experiences naturally, providing a comfortable environment to engage in often difficult conversations. By nurturing family dialogue, the process surrounding inheritance becomes significantly more manageable.

Call to Action

Authense Law Office invites individuals to access their free initial consultation regarding estate and inheritance issues, providing tailored solutions to specific circumstances. They encourage potential clients to partake in the supportive environment they've created, offering resources and knowledge to demystify inherited challenges and allow families to have peace of mind.

In conclusion, the 2025 inheritance report serves as a pivotal reminder of the importance of will preparation and proactive discussions around inheritance, emphasizing the need for integrity and foresight in family dynamics. The Authense Law Office remains committed to ushering in a new wave of understanding and preparation for all individuals navigating these deeply personal matters.