Our Insights

Latest Insights

To renounce or not to renounce a benefit in terms of a will?

02 April 2024,  Puleng Valentine Tladi

In terms of your will, your surviving spouse and descendants, are entitled to inherit and one of your children decides... to renounce his or her share, the surviving spouse shall inherit that portion of that inheritance, which was declined by the descendant.

READ MORE
53
Article

Who inherits under a Deceased Estate when there is no Will?

02 April 2024,  Sinethemba Mashego

It is society's norm to transfer generational wealth and to engage in the re-allotment of wealth. However, some people are ... uninformed about the rules that govern the re-allotment of wealth when they have not drafted a will. 

READ MORE
130
Article

Understanding the Distinction between Living Wills and Last Wills and Testaments

02 April 2024,  André Styger

While both documents are essential components of comprehensive estate planning, they serve distinct purposes and address different aspects of an... individual's life and well-being. This article explores the definitions, functions, and legal implications of living wills and last wills, shedding light on the significance of each in ensuring the wishes and intentions of individuals are respected in both life and death.

READ MORE
35
Article

When can a Will be challenged?

02 April 2024,  Melody Sithole

A Will can be described as a document that expresses the last wishes of an individual about how their property... must be distributed when they die. The document must be written, signed and formal.  The last wishes can be challenged in the following situations:

READ MORE
38
Article

To renounce or not to renounce a benefit in terms of a will?

02 April 2024,  Puleng Valentine Tladi

In terms of your will, your surviving spouse and descendants, are entitled to inherit and one of your children decides... to renounce his or her share, the surviving spouse shall inherit that portion of that inheritance, which was declined by the descendant.

READ MORE
53
Article

Who inherits under a Deceased Estate when there is no Will?

02 April 2024,  Sinethemba Mashego

It is society's norm to transfer generational wealth and to engage in the re-allotment of wealth. However, some people are ... uninformed about the rules that govern the re-allotment of wealth when they have not drafted a will. 

READ MORE
130
Article

Understanding the Distinction between Living Wills and Last Wills and Testaments

02 April 2024,  André Styger

While both documents are essential components of comprehensive estate planning, they serve distinct purposes and address different aspects of an... individual's life and well-being. This article explores the definitions, functions, and legal implications of living wills and last wills, shedding light on the significance of each in ensuring the wishes and intentions of individuals are respected in both life and death.

READ MORE
35
Article

When can a Will be challenged?

02 April 2024,  Melody Sithole

A Will can be described as a document that expresses the last wishes of an individual about how their property... must be distributed when they die. The document must be written, signed and formal.  The last wishes can be challenged in the following situations:

READ MORE
38
Article
GO
GO
Filter: Estate Planning
Is a copy of a will valid?

12 October 2021

Both my parents recently passed away in a car accident. My father shortly before his death mentioned to me that... they recently had a new joint will drawn up. I’ve searched everywhere for the will and can only locate a copy of the signed will. Even their attorney does not have the original will. Can this copy be accepted as the valid will of my parents?

READ MORE
576
Article
Distribution of assets from deceased estates before winding up

02 July 2018

Distribution of assets from deceased estates before winding up

READ MORE
9662
Article
Managing disputes over a deceased relative’s estate

28 March 2017

If someone leaves a sizeable estate behind, it may cause conflict among the possible heirs. The help of an attorney,... when settling an estate after a death, can avoid unnecessary troubles.

READ MORE
839
Article
Is the interest-free loan to a trust dead?

08 March 2017

For estate planning purposes a few years ago I moved some of my assets into a family trust and financed... the disposal to the trust with an interest free loan in my name. I understand that recent tax amendments will now impose unfavourable tax consequences on me in relation to this interest free loan. Is this true?

READ MORE
528
Article
Is an unsigned electronic will valid?

09 November 2015

My father recently passed away. His will was drafted by a financial planner who e-mailed the final draft to him,... but which he never signed. We found the email with the will attached but no further correspondence or documentation between the financial planner and my father regarding the content of the will or his wishes. Is this will valid?

READ MORE
493
Article
Can I inherit if not formally adopted?

13 October 2015

I have been raised as the only child by parents who are not my biological parents. Although I regard them... as my true parents, I was never formally adopted by them. They are both in ill-health and I don’t think they have a will. They don’t have much, but I am concerned that if they die I will lose the possessions that they do have. Will I be able to inherit from them when they pass away?

READ MORE
395
Article

Receive Our Newsletter

SUBSCRIBE NOW