Estate Planning Archives

11 Nov 2022

Save the date: 12th Annual FISA Conference – 9 Nov. 2022

By Staff Writer

The 12th Annual FISA Conference will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 9 November 2022.

06 Jun 2022

Fiduciary update with Louis van Vuren, CEO of the Fiduciary Institute of Southern Africa

By Staff Writer

In recent years the delays experienced in winding up a deceased estate have increased significantly, to a worrying degree. Complaints to FISA about service failures in the Master’s Office have increased exponentially since 2018.

21 Apr 2022

What to consider when choosing a beneficiary

By Staff Writer

A beneficiary is someone you name to receive all, or some, of the money in your retirement account.

22 Feb 2022

Retirement planning and the impact of your death on your beneficiaries and estate

By Staff Writer

Navigating the world of retirement funds and the effect of beneficiary nominations can become very complex and needs to be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences.

17 Feb 2022

Importance of beneficiary nominations on Unapproved Group Life and Funeral policies

By Staff Writer

Fund members need to ensure that they have nominated beneficiaries on their unapproved group life and funeral policies.

03 Feb 2022

Update on the Master’s Office by the Fiduciary Institute of Southern Africa

By Staff Writer

The number of issues reported by FISA members has risen exponentially, in particular regarding deceased estates and trusts.

04 Oct 2021

The 11th Annual FISA Conference – Save the date! 17 November 2021

By Staff Writer

The Fiduciary Institute of Southern Africa (FISA) is well known to professionals in various fields, including fiduciary practitioners, financial planners, accountants and lawyers. We caught up with FISA CEO Louis van Vuren to find out about the upcoming 11th Annual FISA Conference.

01 Oct 2021

Why trusts remain relevant for estate planning

By Staff Writer

When you divest your assets to a trust, you are changing ownership of the assets to the trust beneficiaries. The trustees must manage the assets in accordance with the trust deed, which forms the basis for governing the management of the trust’s assets. The trust founder (or settlor) may not treat the assets as their own.

20 Sep 2021

SARS tax debt collections - even in the afterlife

By Staff Writer

Wealth planning is common in these times, as many wealthy, and often high-net-worth individuals, must ensure the protection of their hard-earned money and assets. What should be just as common, is estate planning, so your legacy remains long after you have left this world.

15 Sep 2021

Here’s why it’s vital that you have a valid will

By Staff Writer

Every year, tens of thousands of South Africans die without a valid will. The effects on their families and loved ones can be devastating, as they are often left without access to funds while the estate is being wound up – a process which can take up to a year, or longer.

14 Sep 2021

Understanding the roles of those nominated in a will

By Staff Writer

Estate planning means making a plan for taking care of your nearest and dearest and dealing with everything you own and owe when you pass away. A will or testament is a legal document where you leave instructions on how you want your family to be taken care of, and who will inherit assets like property, jewellery, cars or investments that you own.

14 Sep 2021

What your will covers and what it doesn’t

By Staff Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness around death and the administrative and financial burden that surrounds the passing of a loved one. Recent estimates by the Master of the High Court show as many as 70% of South Africans do not have a legally executable will. This means that the death of a family member or loved one often creates great financial confusion, disarray and conflict for families, at a time they should be mourning.