You might think that you can delay making a will, but it is something to deal with sooner rather than later.
"Think of a will as your voice when you’re not there to speak. Without it, the law decides who gets what. A will brings certainty and fairness; it isn’t just paperwork, it’s a plan for peace of mind," says PPS fiduciary specialist Yvonne Mojela.
She advises:
- There is no perfect time to get a will; if you’re over 16, have dependants, own property or want to make sure your belongings go where you’d like, then it’s time;
- Start by writing down your assets, who you’d like them to go to, and who you trust to carry out your wishes; then get professional help to make it official;
- Consider the following issues when drawing up a will: guardianship for children, digital assets, sentimental items like jewellery, and your pets; and
- Costs range from no drafting fee if you use a financial institution to a DIY online kit that costs between R200 and R500 and more than R5,000 for complex estates that involve trusts and tax planning.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.