Having a will in place is not only about taking control of your estate and assets, but ensures that in the event of your death, your chosen beneficiaries would have a legal entitlement to their inheritance. On Saturday August 28, attorneys and financial advisors helped community members draw up and update their wills for free at the Roodepoort Theatre.
The initiative was launched by Ward 89 councillor Amelia Bester, who put the call out on social media for professionals in the legal industry. “Many residents have confided in me that when their partners or loves ones passed away from Covid, they discovered that their affairs weren’t in order. I learnt that one in four South Africans have a will. When you die intestate you leave your family with years of administrative and financial burdens to wind up your estate.”
Ten residents were assisted with drafting their wills. A will can be drawn up by anyone 16 years or older, and you do not need to have a wealth of assets to do so. It is also important to know where the original copy of your will is kept and that it is signed by you and your witnesses.
Mauritz Potgieter advised people to never appoint a family member as an executor. “You need a professional to conduct the estate. Get an attorney and an accountant,” he advised. The professionals agreed that the highest an executor’s fee can be is at 3,5% including VAT.
