Estate planning
Choosing the right executor is one of the most important estate planning decisions you can make. While trust is essential, capability, neutrality and practical availability are what determine whether your estate is wound up efficiently, professionally and with minimal stress
Within this tougher environment, the concepts of ‘sham trusts’ and ‘alter-ego trusts’ have taken on renewed importance. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in conversation, they describe two very different situations in law. A sham trust is one that
A parent’s obligation to maintain their minor children does not end with their death – meaning that if a parent’s Will fails to make adequate provision for a dependent child, that child (through their guardian) can lodge a claim for
Few things are as distressing for grieving families as dealing with an estate where the deceased left no valid will. Without one, your estate will be distributed according to the formula set out in the Intestate Succession Act 81 of
Living annuities are highly effective succession planning tools because you are free to nominate any beneficiaries you wish. On death, the proceeds are paid directly to those beneficiaries, usually within a short time, once the administrator has been notified and
Despite the financial safety net that inheritance provides, many heirs are determined to carve out success on their own terms, often emphasising that their careers, businesses, or philanthropic pursuits should stand independently of the family legacy. For these individuals, inherited
The first risk of over-providing is that of entitlement. When children never experience financial difficulty or financial limitations, they may grow to view privilege as a right, rather than a gift.
For those who created wealth—whether through business, property, professional careers, or disciplined saving—the challenge often lies in how best to transfer their legacy. In our experience, the focus is too often on the mechanics of estate planning – which is
You may appoint co-executors who share the duties—and the executor’s fee. However, having multiple executors can create administrative bottlenecks in that any disagreements amongst the executors must be referred to the Master for resolution.
