Get your will drawn up free by a legal expert
Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign in your life.
This is according to Jenny Venter from Malberbe Rigg and Ranwell, as she encourages the community to take part in the Law Society’s annual Will’s Week, which runs from September 11 to 15.
Several law firms in Boksburg will take part in this initiative, during which a legal professional will draw up a Will for you free of charge.
According to Venter, whether you have not yet drawn up a Will or you need to update your Will, it is essential that this is done properly to ensure that your loved ones who are left behind do not have to deal with estate issues but can rather concentrate on dealing with their grief.
She invites the public to take advantage of the opportunity of having one’s Will drawn up or updated free of charge by MRR during Will’s Week.
“The drawing up of a Will is a quick and painless exercise which will be done within one hour,” said Venter.
According to the Law Society, by making a will you ensure that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. This privilege is called “freedom of testation”.
The Society also stressed it is important for an attorney to draft one’s will because attorneys are professionals qualified in law.
“An attorney can advise you on any problem which may arise with regard to your will. An attorney has the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure that your will is valid and complies with your wishes,” said the Society.
“Often a will is not valid because the person who drafts it does not have the necessary legal knowledge to ensure the requirements of the law are met.
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
According to the Society, 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.
The following participating Boksburg law firms may be contacted to arrange an appointment:
- MRR (located at 650 Trichardts Road, Beyerspark). Contact 011 918 4116 (extension 253, 236 or 220)
- Botha (SJ) Attorneys – 011 823 2428/9.
- De Klerk Attorneys Inc – 011 893 2126/78.
- Tuckers Inc – 011 897 1900.
- Galloway van Coller and Griessel – 011 823 2994/5.
