ST THOMAS, Jamaica — Attorney-at-law Josemar Belnavis, is urging Jamaicans to take estate planning more seriously, warning that the failure to prepare wills and organise assets is fueling family disputes, costly court battles and the loss of property across the island.

Belnavis, a partner at Lindsay Law Chambers, addressed the issue during a presentation on estate planning to the JN Circle Morant Bay Chapter recently, where he examined estate planning as both a wellness and financial planning initiative.

Defining an estate as “everything you own or are entitled to on your death,” Belnavis said this includes real estate, bank accounts, investments, insurance policies, vehicles, jewellery, shares and even debts owed to the deceased.