Get your will done next week – for free

National Wills Week will be held from 14 to 18 September where you can have a basic will drawn up by a qualified attorney free of charge.

Three local law firms,  Shahid Hoffese Attorneys and Acutt and Worthington and Sipho Mbatha Attorneys are among the local firms who will be assisting interested people.

Why must you have a will?

 “Freedom of testation” – Making a will to ensure that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after death.

Why should an attorney draft your will?

Attorneys are qualified professionals and they can advise you on any problem which may arise with regard to your will. They will ensure that your will is:

• valid
• complies with your wishes.

Often a will is not valid because the person who drafts it does not have the necessary legal to ensure that the requirements of the law are met.

What happens to your estate if you die without a valid will?

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. But, 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.

Conditions:

• Only attorneys participating in the National Wills Week project will write your will for free.
• Only from 14 to 18 September 2015.
• Only a basic will and testament will be written. No amendments or redrafting of existing wills.
• Make an appointment with an attorney participating in the Wills Week project.