Trusts and Family Wealth
Passing wealth from one generation to the next is no longer a simple administrative exercise. Families today live longer, own more complex assets, and face evolving tax and legal environments. Against this backdrop, estate planning has shifted from short-term succession planning to long-term stewardship. One structure continues to feature prominently in this conversation: the living […]
Your Will is Set, But Who is in Charge? A Guide to the Executor of Your Estate
Completing your last will and testament is one of the most responsible steps you can take to protect your loved ones. It provides clarity, minimises conflict, and ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, a will is only as effective as the person tasked with carrying it out. This crucial role is […]
Common Wealth-Planning Mistakes
In his poem The Mistake, James Fenton talks about the sad truth in making mistakes. He beautifully describes that even with blatant warnings that are ignored or subtle hints that have gone unnoticed, we sometimes go about our lives not knowing about the mistakes we are making—and how they will impact our loved ones when […]
How to Wind Up a Deceased Estate
Winding up an estate in South Africa is a meticulous process governed by the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. It involves the collection and distribution of a deceased person’s assets, settling debts, and ensuring that the estate is managed according to the law and the deceased’s wishes. This article outlines the steps involved […]