Expert Wills & Estate Planning Services

Protect your family's future. Get matched with qualified wills and estate attorneys for will drafting, estate administration, probate, and inheritance planning.

What We Offer

Will Drafting & Review

Professional will drafting and review. Ensure your wishes are legally binding and your family is protected. We handle valid wills for all circumstances.

Estate Planning & Succession

Comprehensive estate planning. Minimize taxes, protect assets, plan for succession, and ensure smooth wealth transfer to your heirs and beneficiaries.

Probate & Estate Administration

Full estate administration and probate services. Appointment as executor, asset management, debt settlement, and distribution to beneficiaries.

Executor & Trustee Services

Support for executors and trustees. Legal guidance on duties, tax obligations, beneficiary management, and estate distribution responsibilities.

Inheritance & Succession Disputes

Resolution of inheritance disputes and will challenges. Claims for maintenance, disputes over validity, and contested successions handled through negotiation or litigation.

Tax Planning & Estate Tax

Tax-efficient estate planning. Minimize estate duty, capital gains tax, and income tax obligations. Strategic planning for maximum inheritance to your heirs.

Our Estate Planning & Administration Process

1

Estate Consultation

Detailed discussion of your estate, assets, family situation, and wishes. We advise on the best structure for your goals and circumstances.

2

Will Drafting

Professional drafting of your will. Clear provisions, proper executor appointment, guardian nominations, and all legally required formalities.

3

Estate Planning

Comprehensive estate planning. Tax optimization, asset protection, trust structures, and succession planning tailored to your family's needs.

4

Probate Application

Application for probate to the Master of the High Court. Document preparation, evidence gathering, and representation during the probate process.

5

Estate Administration

Full administration of the estate. Asset gathering, debt settlement, tax submissions, creditor claims management, and beneficiary accounting.

6

Distribution & Finalisation

Final distribution to beneficiaries. Estate closure, final accounts, and confirmation that all obligations have been met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a will?
Yes. Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to intestate succession laws, which may not reflect your wishes. A will gives you control over who inherits your assets, who cares for your children, and how your estate is managed. Even young people with modest assets benefit from having a valid will.
What makes a will valid in South Africa?
A valid will must: (1) Be in writing, (2) Be signed by the testator (person making the will), (3) Have 2 competent witnesses present during signing, (4) Show clear intention to create a will, and (5) Properly identify beneficiaries and assets. Without these formalities, a will can be challenged. Your attorney ensures all requirements are met.
What is probate and do I need it?
Probate is the court process of proving a will is valid and giving the executor authority to administer the estate. You need probate to: (1) Get authority to access the deceased's bank accounts and assets, (2) Sell property, (3) Collect insurance proceeds, and (4) Settle estate debts. Most estates with significant assets require probate.
How long does estate administration take?
Estate administration typically takes 12-24 months depending on: (1) Estate complexity, (2) Asset types (property, shares, retirement funds), (3) Tax obligations, (4) Debts and creditor claims, and (5) Beneficiary cooperation. Simple estates may close faster, while estates with disputes can take much longer. Your attorney manages the timeline.
Can I challenge a will?
Yes, if you can prove: (1) The will was improperly executed, (2) The testator lacked mental capacity, (3) The testator was unduly influenced, or (4) The will was fraudulent. You can also claim maintenance from the estate if you were dependent on the deceased. Your attorney advises on the strength of a will challenge and the best approach.
What are estate duties and how do I minimize them?
Estate duty (inheritance tax) is payable on net estates over R3.5 million, at 20% on the taxable amount. You can minimize estate duty through: (1) Life insurance, (2) Gifts during lifetime, (3) Trusts, (4) Business succession planning, and (5) Spousal transfers. Your attorney and tax advisor plan strategies to reduce tax burden on your heirs.
What are executor duties and responsibilities?
An executor must: (1) Locate and secure estate assets, (2) Notify beneficiaries and creditors, (3) Apply for probate, (4) Manage assets during administration, (5) Settle debts and taxes, (6) Keep detailed accounts, and (7) Distribute assets to beneficiaries. Executors face legal liability for failures. Your attorney guides executors through these complex duties.
Who can inherit if there's no will?
Without a will, intestate succession laws determine inheritance. Generally: spouse gets a share, children inherit equally, parents inherit if no spouse/children, and siblings/relatives inherit in order of priority. This may not match your wishes. Many people are excluded entirely. A will ensures your chosen beneficiaries inherit as you intend.

Protect Your Family's Future

Don't leave your estate to chance or intestate laws. Get expert estate planning and will drafting from a qualified attorney who will ensure your wishes are legally protected and your family is provided for.