last will and testament Archives

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.

12 Aug 2021

The difference between a living Will and a last Will and testament

By Staff Writer

Sometimes family members face a difficult situation when a decision has to be made about a loved one in circumstances in which they are not able to make informed decisions and give their consent regarding medical treatment. . In some cases, a family can be left with enduring questions and feel of guilt after making a decision on whether a loved one should be kept on life support or not.

11 Jun 2021

Why risk it? DIY estate planning can cost you

By Staff Writer

With online solutions popping up and promising to crank out an estate plan in under 30 minutes, you may be tempted to do-it-yourself (DIY). Afterall, you will be avoiding all the costs that come with professional assistance, right?

22 Oct 2020

The importance of leaving a will to future generations

By Staff Writer

By: Mandy Dix-Peek, Head of Old Mutual Wealth Fiduciary Services Estate planning is one of the most important aspects of financial planning as it ensures a meaningful legacy for clients and their loved ones. Although a will forms a significant part of any estate plan, it is too often undervalued. Yet, it is an integral...

08 Apr 2020

Why digital signatures should be recognised on last wills and testaments

By Janice Roberts

By: Alex Simeonides, CEO, Capital Legacy With millions of South Africans stuck indoors and encouraged to practice social distancing to help ‘flatten the curve’ of the coronavirus contagion by staying at home, the rigidity of our laws around eSignatures has come into sharp focus. What happens if someone passes away during the lockdown without a...

11 Feb 2020

Five questions about your Will you may be afraid to ask

By Janice Roberts

Between trying to earn a living, getting the grocery shopping done and squeezing in a gym workout, many of us avoid thinking about the inevitable – what would happen to our ‘stuff’ if we die?

17 Sep 2019

Why you should have an up-to-date will in place

By Janice Roberts

Drawing up a will, no matter how upsetting, should be a priority. Having a will in place ensures that those you leave behind are taken care of in your absence.

16 Sep 2019

How to estate plan across geographies

By Janice Roberts

When planning your estate across geographies, you need to firstly ensure that your South African will is valid. That’s the word from David Thomson, CFP® Senior Legal Adviser at Sanlam Trust.

10 Sep 2019

The importance of estate planning

By Janice Roberts

This year, South Africa’s National Wills Week takes place from 16 to 20 September. Ecsponent is supporting this initiative, not just for Wills Week, but for the month of September, by offering information and the opportunity for you to have your will drawn up for free.

26 Aug 2019

Divorce and Death – the impact of Section 2B on your will

By Janice Roberts

Compiled by Lize de la Harpe, Legal Adviser at Glacier by Sanlam. Introduction Not many people are aware of the statutory disqualification as set out in Section 2B of the Wills Act No. 7 of 1953, which states that if a testator dies within three months of becoming divorced, and that person executed a will...

11 Apr 2018

Estate Planning: Dying without a will is one of the biggest mistakes you can make

By Janice Roberts

If you die without a valid Will in place the assets in your estate are distributed as stipulated in the Intestate Succession Act. This can cause unnecessary trauma, costs and delays for the family you leave behind and may prevent your final wishes from being carried out. Having a Will is also an imperative for...

11 Apr 2018

Where there’s no Will there’s little way

By Janice Roberts

Guitar guru Jimi Hendrix’s death in 1970 led to 30-years’ worth of bitter court battles. Bob Marley’s estate which was valued at USD 130-million[1] was dissolved intestate, when in 1981 the reggae singer lost his battle with cancer.