National Wills Week

National Wills Week is being hosted next week (26-30 October). It is an annual reminder of the importance of having a will. It is also a week where attorneys invite the public to approach them at no charge.

By making a will you ensure that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. In addition to leaving an object, a piece of land or a sum of money to your loved ones, you can also choose to leave a legacy to a charity of your choice.

To find the list of participating attorneys in the Western Cape, follow this link: https://www.lssa.org.za/.../western-cape-attorneys.../ or you can visit any Legal Aid South Africa office.

What happens to your estate if you die without a valid will?

If you die without leaving a valid will, your assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act. The provisions of this Act are generally fair and ensure that your possessions are transferred to your spouse and children.

BUT, the following problems may arise if you die without leaving a will:

- Your assets may not be left to the person of your choice.

- It can take a long time to have an executor appointed. The executor who is appointed may be somebody you may not have chosen yourself.

- There can be extra and unnecessary costs.

- There can be unhappiness and conflict among members of your family because there are no clear instructions on how to distribute your assets.

#nationalwillsweek2020 #Bequest #LeaveALastingLegacy

?