Deceased Estates - Law Society SA

This brochure will inform you of the main features of the administration of deceased estates as well as the legal aspects involved.

Find out why it is important to have an attorney draw up your will 
and to appoint an executor for your estate

Extract from lssa.org.za

Why must you have a will? - Law Society SA

Why must you have a will?

By making a will you ensure that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. This privilege is called "freedom of testation".

Why should an attorney draft your will?

What happens to your estate if you die without a valid will?

Etc…

Extract from lssa.org.za

South African Registry of Wills and Testaments - SARWT

The aim of the SARWT website is to serve as a central online register where the administrative details of Wills and Testaments may be obtained once recorded. We offer members of the public and professionals free and open access to the Will Register to collaborate as social partners in the SARWT public interest initiative. The contents of a person's Will remain private as the terms are not recorded nor do we accept Wills.

Most people do not know whether their loved ones have executed a Will, where the original might be kept or who has been nominated to wind up the financial affairs of the deceased. This is the very issue SARWT endeavours to address.

By registering your Will on this website you will ensure that your Will is located at the time of your passing, your wishes are adhered to and your loved ones taken care of.

Extract above from saarwt.org

CNN Money: Get ahead of your estate planning

What you need to know about estate planning, including why you may need a will and assigning a power of attorney

1. No matter your net worth, it's important to have a basic estate plan in place.

2. An estate plan has several elements.

3. Taking inventory of your assets is a good place to start.

4. Everybody needs a will.

5. Trusts aren't just for the wealthy.

6. Discussing your estate plans with your heirs may prevent disputes or confusion.

7. The federal estate tax exemption -- the amount you may leave to heirs free of federal tax -- is now set permanently at $5 million indexed for inflation.

8. You may leave an unlimited amount of money to your spouse tax-free, but this isn't always the best tactic.

9. There are two easy ways to give gifts tax-free and reduce your estate.

10. There are ways to give charitable gifts that keep on giving.

Extract above from money.cnn.com