Most of us are too busy with Life to worry about Death. But Death has this annoying habit of showing Life the finger and pitching up at the most inopportune time. While cheating Death may prove difficult, we can ease the process by making sure that we have drafted a will. Yet a worrying number…
Once your Will has been drafted, what do you do? Here are several things to consider. Signing your Last Will and Testament Once you’ve read through your Will and you’re happy with it, the next step is to sign it. Before you pick up the closest pen and merely scrawl your mark, be aware of…
There are only two ways that you can die. With a Will. Or without a Will. It’s entirely your choice. But here are five reasons why we would strongly recommend that you die with a Will. You can appoint your executor. When you die, somebody has to be appointed as an executor to organise all…
Where can you get a Will? When it comes to drafting your Last Will and Testament, the first thing to decide is: “Where can I get a Will from?” To answer this, consider whether you’re comfortable with using a template, or if you’d prefer that someone drafts it for you. If your estate is relatively…
Cohabitation refers to people (regardless of gender) who live together as if they were married, but are not legally married. Society has progressed a long way since the days when the mere hint of ‘living in sin’ would have raised eyebrows. South Africa’s courts have, equally, kept up with the changing times, and have on…
I need to store my signed will somewhere. I took it to my bank, but they want to charge me a monthly fee for storing it. It’s just a three-page document, and I don’t want to pay monthly fees for the rest of my life. What should I do with it? A: There’re no legal…
I recently drafted my will, leaving my estate to my three daughters. My eldest daughter’s son signed as a witness, together with my neighbour. A friend expressed concern about this – but my grandson is officially an adult (he’s 19) and he’s not named in my will. Is this a problem? A: Generally speaking, anyone…
In South Africa, marriages are governed by one of two marital regimes: In community of property; or Out of community of property Getting married in community of property requires the couple to do precisely nothing. They just get hitched and ride off into the sunset. South African law provides that when a couple gets married…
A: Once you’re comfortable that your Will unambiguously reflects your wishes, you need to sign it. You need to be aware of the following requirements: You must sign your will in the presence of two witnesses. You can’t sign it, then later ask your witnesses to sign it. They need to witness that you did,…
The world. And all the stars in the sky. And everything that goes with it. And more if that’s possible. That’s what a starry-eyed lover is willing and all too eager to present the love of their life with. As time goes by the allure dissipates, the passion fades, the veneered mask of new-love slips…
