Why every adult needs a valid will
If you pass away without a valid will, your estate is divided according to the Intestate Succession Act — not your wishes. That can mean long delays, family disagreements and assets ending up with the wrong people. A properly drafted will is the foundation of every estate plan.
We help you draft or update your will, appoint guardians for minor children and choose an executor you trust.
Estate duty explained simply
Estate duty is a tax on your estate when you pass away. In South Africa, the first R3.5 million of your estate is exempt. Above that, estate duty is charged at 20%, rising to 25% on the portion above R30 million. Anything left to a surviving spouse is generally exempt.
There may also be capital gains tax on assets that have grown in value. With a little planning, the total tax bill can often be reduced.
Executor fees: what your family will actually pay
Executors may charge up to 3.5% of the gross value of your estate, plus VAT — that's about 4.03% in total. On a R5 million estate, that could be more than R200,000. These fees are often negotiable when you plan ahead, and we'll explain your options.
Making sure there's enough cash
Even wealthy estates can run short of cash. Debts, taxes, fees and living expenses for your family all need to be paid while the estate is wound up, which can take a year or more. Life cover and correctly nominated beneficiaries can provide liquidity so your family doesn't have to sell assets in a hurry.
We'll calculate your estate's likely costs and make sure the plan works in practice, not just on paper.