Where there’s a will, there’s a better way of dying

It sounds almost ghoulish to think about – as if you are subconsciously willing the worst to happen – but having a proper will in place in the event of your untimely death is the best gift you can leave to your loved ones.

This week sees another annual campaign to promote the awareness of, and importance of, a last will and testament.

More than 50% of working South Africans do not have a will and at least 70% of the working class who died in 2019 did so without leaving a will.

This week’s campaign, spearheaded by the department of justice, sees 923 law firms make their skills and expertise available for free to help people draft their wills.

A proper will allows you to provide not only for the distribution of your assets as you see fit, it also records your intentions regarding guardians for minor children.

In the absence of a will, a person is deemed to have died “intestate” and the future of any assets as well as who may legally inherit are determined by the law and government officials.

Drawing up a will is not difficult and can save even more pain and heartache for those you leave behind.