Estate Planning

Estate Planning is an essential aspect of financial management that ensures your wealth and assets are distributed according to your wishes and provides security for your loved ones. In South Africa, where inheritance laws and taxes can be intricate, it’s paramount to have an experienced legal partner to guide you through the estate planning process. Our law firm’s Estate Planning Division is committed to delivering personalized and efficient estate planning services that cater to the unique needs and goals of each client.

 

Services Offered:

 

• Wills: Drafting, reviewing, and updating wills to ensure that they reflect your current wishes and are compliant with South African law.

​

• Trusts: Establishing and administering trusts, including family trusts, special needs trusts, and charitable trusts, to protect assets and provide for beneficiaries.

​

• Deceased Estates: Handling the entire legal process of deceased estates, from reporting the estate to the Master of the High Court, to the final distribution of assets to beneficiaries. This includes liaising with relevant financial institutions, managing the deceased's debts and obligations, obtaining necessary tax clearances, and ensuring that the entire process is carried out in accordance with South African law.

​

• Estate Administration: Assisting executors in the administration and winding up of estates, including the gathering and valuation of assets, settling of debts, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

​

• Tax Planning: Providing advice on tax-efficient strategies to minimise estate duties, capital gains tax, and other taxes related to the transfer of assets.

​

• Estate Litigation: Representing clients in disputes that may arise during the estate administration process, such as will contests, claims against an estate, or disputes among beneficiaries.

​

• Powers of Attorney: Drafting and advising on general or specific powers of attorney, ensuring that your affairs can be handled according to your wishes in the event you are unable to manage them yourself.​

​

• Business Succession Planning: Advising on and implementing strategies for the transfer of business interests, to ensure the continued success and viability of the business.

​​

• Asset Protection: Developing strategies to protect your assets.