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Filter: Will
Why can deceased estates take so long to be finalised?

29 May 2023

The family of a deceased are often confronted with the harsh reality of having to wind up a deceased’s estate... after his or her passing. Usually, there is the expectation that this should go quickly, but unfortunately, the reality is that the process is hardly ever a quick one. So how long then does it take to wind up a deceased estate? 

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142
Article
Can an email qualify as a last will?

14 June 2021

My aunt recently passed away suddenly due to Covid-19. In the hunt for her will, it transpired that she had... sent an email to her attorney in which she had asked for amendments to be made to her will and for some of the beneficiaries to be removed. The attorney confirmed that he had not had opportunity to draft a new will before my aunt passed. Can her email be seen as her valid last wishes?

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417
Article
Can a testator rule from the grave?

16 March 2021

I was recently appointed as the executor of a deceased estate of a family member. The provisions of the deceased’s... last will and testament are very strict and every bequest is subject to some form of condition. Do I have to adhere to the provisions of the last will and testament or did the deceased exceed his right to rule from the grave? 

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494
Article
Who inherits the estate - the new wife or the ex?

16 October 2019

My husband has just passed away. We were married in community of property. It has however now transpired that his... will still determines that his ex-wife is the sole heir of his estate. Where does this leave me, and does she have a right to his whole estate?

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559
Article
What do I need to keep in mind when appointing an executor in my will?

09 November 2018

I’m getting married soon and know that we are going to have to get a will in place. My friend... told me that an important decision is deciding on who the executor of our estate will be. I have no idea though how to decide or what to consider. Can you help?

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431
Article
What happens to my Bitcoins when I die?

08 March 2018

I’ve started buying Bitcoins as a form of investment. I am aware that it is a virtual currency and that... different rules apply to Bitcoins. But I’m now starting to wonder how I can ensure that I transfer my Bitcoins to my heirs when I die?

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401
Article
Can a testamentary trust be changed later?

08 March 2018

My wife and I are discussing providing for the creation of a testamentary trust in our will to take care... of our minor children upon our untimely death. I’m worried though that if we establish a trust, it may be too rigid to deal with the changing circumstances of our children. Can the trust be changed after our death should it be necessary to do so?

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539
Article
How should I plan for my minor child to inherit?

07 February 2018

My wife and I have a young daughter. We are planning to update our estate planning to provide that our... daughter inherits everything should both of us pass, but have been wondering what will happen if this happens while she is a minor? Can we plan for this eventuality?

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454
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