executor
There are a number of circumstances that can disqualify a potential heir. Firstly, any person who writes a Will, or any part thereof, on behalf of the testator can be disqualified from inheriting, as is the writer’s spouse. Similarly, the
Assets that you had intended to bequeath to your loved ones may need to be sold in order to pay off the debt in your estate which, besides for leaving your heirs in a financially precarious position, could have tax
If your fixed property is bonded and you have the appropriate level of bond cover in place, your executor will settle the bond using the proceeds of the life cover and bond cancellation instructions will be issued, thereby allowing your
Your heirs are those people who stand to inherit the residue of your estate, which is whatever assets are left after all your debts, the cost of administration, and any legacies or special bequests have been distributed. When drafting your
Your tax commitments follow you to the grave and it is important to bear in mind that Sars has first claim to what is rightfully owing to them.
When distributing your assets, the executor will first use your assets to pay the costs of administering your estate and to pay your creditors. Thereafter, your legatees will receive any legacies due to them in terms of any special bequests
The length of the winding up process largely depends on the size and structure of the deceased estate, but can also be delayed in instances where the deceased died of unnatural causes, where the Will is contested, where there are
When choosing witnesses for your Will, remember that no one who stands to benefit from your estate should be allowed to witness your Will. If a beneficiary to your Will also signs as a witness, he/she can be disqualified from
An ex-spouse cannot claim maintenance from the estate of her former husband after his death because the bonds of marriage had already been severed by divorce. Further, the surviving spouse’s right to maintenance from the estate continues until her death
