National Wills Week kicks off on 11 September 2023. Your last will and testament serve as the key tool in ensuring your wishes are carried out after you pass away. It determines the distribution of your belongings and property and provides for your family and loved ones. Having a well-prepared will not only simplify the process for your family but also minimise stress during a challenging time.

Luckily for those in South Africa, the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) organises National Wills Week annually. During this time, participating law firms offer basic will drafting for free. It’s a great opportunity to get started on securing your legacy – take advantage of it!

Why You Need a Last Will and Testament:

Without a last will and testament, the law considers you to have died without a plan. This means your estate will be handled based on the Intestate Succession Act, not your preferences. This process can be long, costly, and emotionally tough for your family. Additionally, parts of your estate could end up in the hands of unintended recipients or even the State.

5 reasons to take advantage of National Wills Week

  1. Estate empowerment: Your last will and testament is like a roadmap for your assets. You’re the captain of your ship, and this document ensures your treasures reach their rightful destinations.
  2. Family first: With a solid will, you’re not just protecting your stuff; you’re showing your family that you care, even after you’re gone. It’s a true testament of love.
  3. Stress prevention: Imagine making things easier for your family during an emotionally tough time. A well-drafted will means less stress and more peace of mind for your nearest and dearest.
  4. Digital dilemmas solved: Your digital life matters too! Include instructions for your online presence, so your digital legacy is just as organized as your physical one.
  5. Community goodness: Want to make the world a better place? Your will can include provisions for charitable causes that mean something to you, leaving a positive impact long after you’re gone.

What your will should include:

At the very least, your last will and testament should:

  • Beneficiaries: Identify who you want to receive your assets.
  • Distribution: Explain how to divide your belongings and property among these beneficiaries.
  • Executor: Name someone responsible for carrying out your wishes.
  • Guardianship: If you have minor children, designate a guardian for them.

Actions you can take

  • Ensure your estate is handled properly after your passing by reaching out to one of the attorneys participating in National Wills Week to draft your last will and testament. You can find a list of participating attorneys below
  • Take care of your digital presence by adding a digital will as an extension to your main will.
  • Make sure your desires are clear to doctors and family if you can’t express them yourself by having us draft a living will.

Pro tip: Simplify understanding you will be making sure it is written in plain language, so everyone knows what you intend.

List of participating attorneys in your province