Legacy Link Advisory

A will is a legally binding document that sets out how your assets should be distributed after your death. It is essential because it ensures your wishes are honoured, provides for your loved ones, and helps minimise the risk of disputes among beneficiaries.

If you pass away without a valid will, your estate will be distributed in terms of the laws of intestate succession. In such cases, your assets are allocated among your closest relatives according to a predetermined hierarchy, which may not reflect your personal wishes or family circumstances.

Not all estates are liable for estate duty; it depends on the net value of the estate and the applicable tax thresholds. Where estate duty is payable, it is generally settled by the estate before any distributions are made to beneficiaries.

The administration of a deceased estate in South Africa typically takes between 6 and 12 months. 

However, more complex estates — such as those involving property transfers, business interests, foreign assets, or disputes among heirs — can take considerably longer.

Timeframes are influenced by factors such as the completeness of documentation, Master’s Office processing times, liquidity in the estate, and whether any claims or complications arise. Proper estate planning and sufficient liquidity can significantly speed up the process.

Timeframes are influenced by factors such as the completeness of documentation, Master’s Office processing times, liquidity in the estate, and whether any claims or complications arise. Proper estate planning and sufficient liquidity can significantly speed up the process.