Do I need to list everything I own?

No. The rest of your estate covers anything not given away as a specific gift. Listing your assets still helps your executor find them.

What if the shares don't add up to 100%?

Part of your estate might not be covered by your will. Wills.ng checks the total before your plan goes for review.

Executors, guardians and beneficiaries

What is the rest of your estate?

The rest of your estate, sometimes called the residue, is everything left after your debts, funeral costs and specific gifts have been dealt with.

In 30 seconds

What's left over

After debts, costs and specific gifts are dealt with, whatever remains is the rest of your estate.

Often the biggest part

For many people, this is most of what they leave, so it's important to get right.

Shares must add up

You can split it between several people. The shares should add up to 100%.

Plan for the unexpected

Say what should happen to a share if the person dies before you.

Card 1 / 4

For many people the rest of the estate is the largest part of what they leave. Your will should say who receives it and in what shares, adding up to 100%, and what happens if one of them dies before you.

Why the rest of your estate matters

You may not know exactly what you'll own when you die. Dealing with 'the rest' in your will means nothing is left out, even things you acquire after signing.

If your will doesn't deal with everything, the part it misses may be shared under the general rules that apply when there is no will.

Sharing it out

You can give it all to one person or divide it in percentages. On Wills.ng you set each person's share in People, and we check the total is 100%.

Key points

The rest of your estate is what's left after debts and gifts.
Shares should add up to 100%.
Say what happens if a beneficiary dies before you.

Common mistakes

Forgetting to deal with the rest of the estate.
Shares that don't add up to 100%.

Questions people ask

Do I need to list everything I own?: No. The rest of your estate covers anything not given away as a specific gift. Listing your assets still helps your executor find them.
What if the shares don't add up to 100%?: Part of your estate might not be covered by your will. Wills.ng checks the total before your plan goes for review.

Ready to make your will?

Answer plain-English questions at your own pace. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

Start my estate plan

This guide is general information, not legal advice about your circumstances. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

Last updated 24 September 2026.