Avoiding ambiguity in your Will
Discover the implications of double gifting in Wills. Learn how intentional clarity can avoid inheritance conflicts.
Do I need to carry out a ‘reading of the Will’?
We are often asked by clients who are appointed as an executor of an Estate whether they need to gather the family around and ‘read the Will’ out loud. While this is often the kick off point for an Agatha Christie murder mystery, this formality is not...
What are your rights when your de facto partner dies (in SA)?
Do you have the same rights as people who are married? For example, to share in your partner’s estate, challenge their Will, get damages for wrongful death, claim super benefits, etc? The short answer is, yes, but…
The pandemic is behind us. Do I still need to make a Will?
This is a lawyer’s blog, what do you think the answer is going to be…?! Read on anyway if you’re not yet convinced.
A rant on challenging Wills
A few judges and populist politicians have recently made some snarly comments about lawyers and ‘greedy’ people who are challenging Wills. Apparently, as a profession, we are getting a bit of ahead of ourselves in bringing too many of these cases to court. Read this article to get informed about the debate.
What happens to a gift in your Will if you no longer own the asset when you die?
A gift of property that is no longer in your estate when you die automatically ‘fails’ (or ‘adeems’). This rule can lead to unfairness and unintended consequences.
Who gets the farm?
Do you have the right to determine who inherits your farm? The short answer is ‘not necessarily’, but there are things you can do to increase the chances of your wishes being upheld.
Not happy with someone’s Will? Read how to make a successful challenge.
There are two main ways to challenge a Will. We discuss what they are.
How to make sure the wealth in your family trust ends up where you intend
How do I ensure that the assets in our “family trust” end up being shared among my children in a fair and appropriate manner? How do I pass control of my trust to the next generation, or control over specific assets? What are the tax consequences of passing on trust assets now, or when I die? Find out here.