Why is having a last will and testament so important?
Zander Bain
Financial Advisor : Helping high-net-worth clients build their financial legacy, Retirement Plan Services and helping young professionals build wealth.
A will stipulates how your assets will be distributed when you pass away, and gives you peace of mind that your estate will be taken care of.
Why do I need a will?
If a person dies without a will, it could lead to severe administrative, tax and legal problems and possibly to financial losses.
In your will, you determine how your assets should be divided, and nominate an executor and trustee to take care of the division of the estate's assets and to handle the administration of any trust assets.
You have the right to name heirs as you wish in your will. If you don't, your assets will be divided according to the Intestate Succession Act, No 81 of 1987, after your death. This could mean that persons you would have preferred not inherit from you, could inherit.
Your will therefore determines the future of everything that you've built up through the years – and your heirs can be directly disadvantaged if you don't plan correctly. Estate duty, income tax, VAT and capital gains tax (CGT) can take a big chunk out of your estate if your planning is wrong.
What is an executor?
The executor of your estate must administer your estate in terms of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, and any other relevant Acts, and execute your estate in accordance with the stipulations of your will (or Intestate Succession Act, when applicable) under supervision of the Master of the High Court. An executor ensures that all debt enforceable against your estate, as well as the necessary tax and administration costs, are paid, and that what remains of your estate is distributed according to the terms of your will.
The executor is the company, firm or person that you appointed in your will. If you choose to draft an online will, Sanlam will automatically be appointed as your executor.
How do I nominate an executor?
Without the necessary knowledge, your spouse will also not know where to get the best advice or service. Your spouse may be exposed to someone serving his own interests, in which case the estate's chequebook might end up in the wrong hands.
Approaching a reputable company or section of a company specialising in wills, estates and trusts is a much safer idea:
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As a leading trust company in South Africa, Sanlam Trust offers expert management of deceased solvent estates and living and testamentary trusts. If you choose to draft an online will, Sanlam will automatically be appointed as your executor.
Are there any costs involved?
Should you choose to draft a will online, Sanlam Trust will act as the expert executor of your estate and a nominal annual fee of R57.50 will be charged. This fee covers the administration costs and safekeeping of your will in a vault. Please note: If you are 65 or older, this fee does not apply to you and we will provide these services free of charge.
You will also get:
Should you have any further questions feel free to contact me
Zander Bain
[email protected] / 062 916 9391
OR book a appointment with me on Microsoft Bookings - https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/