High Court Invalidates Will and Declares Daughter Unworthy to Inherit

The North West High Court’s judgment in Lombard v Van Der Merwe, handed down on 24 March 2026, is essential reading for anyone who has a will, is thinking about making one, or stands to inherit under someone else’s. It is a case about an elderly man, a disputed document, and the catastrophic consequences that […]

High Court Validates Electronic Will of Late Constitutional Court Justice

In an important judgment that addresses the intersection of modern technology and traditional legal formalities, the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley has ordered the Master of the High Court to accept an electronically signed will as the valid last will and testament of the late Constitutional Court Justice Mokgoro. Justice Mokgoro, who passed away […]

Have a Little R.E.S.P.E.C.T for My Wishes

Your will gives you the final say – even after you’re gone. A Michigan court has ruled that a handwritten document from 2014 is Aretha Franklin’s valid last will and testament after the Queen of Soul passed away without a formal will in 2018. This follows a year-long court battle between her sons to determine […]

When Is a Trust Not a Trust?

When can the provisions of a trust deed be set aside?  When you don’t stick to the rules. Far too many people pay their accountant or attorney a visit, draw up a boilerplate trust deed, sign on the dotted line, and think that this piece of paper will take away all their tax and estate […]

Protect Your Family’s Assets with Effective Estate Planning

Protect Your Family’s Assets with Effective Estate Planning Make sure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning is an important step in protecting your family’s future and avoiding any unnecessary complications. Here’s a simple guide to the key steps involved in the process. By following these steps, it is possible […]

How to Wind Up a Deceased Estate

Winding up an estate in South Africa is a meticulous process governed by the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. It involves the collection and distribution of a deceased person’s assets, settling debts, and ensuring that the estate is managed according to the law and the deceased’s wishes. This article outlines the steps involved […]

Can you inherit from someone you have merely been living with?

In South Africa, the number of couples who are permanently living together in life partnerships is increasing every year. What are the consequences that would ensue if either of the partners in the relationship dies without a will? Should a surviving partner in such a scenario have a claim for inheritance or maintenance from the […]

The intent to revoke a last will and testament

The Western Cape High Court recently examined whether a person had the intent to revoke their existing will. The deceased, hospitalised with COVID-19, expressed a desire to revoke their will and draft a new one. However, the court found that the necessary intent to revoke was absent, emphasising the importance of complying with the Wills […]