“A testator with a philosophical turn of mind began his last will and testament by saying that nothing is more uncertain than life and more certain than death. Death, indeed, comes to all and many who depart this vale of tears leaves behind them, not only the memory of their existence, but also the more tangible fruits of a lifetime of toil – an estate; sometimes very substantial, sometimes merely nominal. In this estate there may be interested – creditors, heirs, and legatees and last, but often by no means least, the State itself.” David Meyerowitz, 1966

The Estates Department at our firm handles various types of estates from Section 18(3) (value less than R250 000-00) to estates exceeding R1 million, both testate and intestate. Our firm has expanded considerably over the years and the firm now boasts a separate Estates Department which is run by an Attorney and a Conveyancer who have collectively more than 25 years’ experience in the administration of deceased estates.

The Estates Department is capable of handling and attending to the drafting of wills, redistribution agreements, Section 38 take-overs, liquidation and distribution accounts (L&D) including the completing and finalisation of all the necessary preliminary documents for reporting estates, calculation of estate duty and the distribution of assets, including the transfer of properties to the respective heirs. Our attorneys liaise personally with all clients and examiners of the Master’s office and therefore provide a reliable, personal, and efficient service to all our clients. The Estates Department maintain all time constraints imposed by the Act to the best of their ability in order finalise estates within the prescribed period.

Our Professional Staff believe that the drawing of the Will is of utmost importance which requires great deliberation and urgent attendance. The Will speaks for the Testator and regulates the devolvement of his assets after his death.

Estate Planning and the drafting of a sound Will are fundamental to the concept of ordering one’s affairs in such a way as to derive maximum benefit from one’s property during one’s lifetime, and to enable one’s dependents and heirs to benefit similarly after one’s death.

Should these aspects (estate Planning and the drafting of the Will) have not been properly handled some awkward problems are bound to arise in the process of administration. We are firmly of the view that the administration process, therefore, largely depends on the foundation that has been laid.

Our Estates Department always strive to satisfy all our clients’ needs by rendering a professional and high-quality service.

Fill in the Form Below for us to assist with your Will or the Administration of a Deceased Estate.