Articles Published - Wills, Trusts and Deceased Estates Archives

Pulse | September 2026

Can a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim override a property inheritance? Recently, the Supreme Court of Appeal considered whether a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim could effectively exhaust a deceased estate, leaving nothing for an heir who had been bequeathed immovable property.

Pulse | Can a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim override a property inheritance?

In De Bruyn v The Master of the High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal (‘the SCA’) recently upheld the Master’s refusal to prohibit a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim which effectively exhausted the estate available for distribution. Although the deceased

Pulse | Preparing for the unexpected: Why your animal companion belongs in your will

Your will may explain precisely who should inherit your home, investments, and possessions. But does it stipulate who will care for your dog, administer your elderly rabbit’s medication, take your cat to the vet, or provide a safe place for

Pulse | Inside the Regulation of Trusts Bill: A new dawn for trust administration in South Africa

Earlier this month, government published the Regulation of Trusts Bill (‘the Bill’) for public comment. Intended to repeal and replace the Trust Property Control Act (‘the Act’), the Bill provides for, inter alia, the creation and administration of trusts, the

Pulse | August 2026

In this edition of Pulse, we look inside the Regulation of Trusts Bill, explore why menstrual dignity is a human rights issue, examine the impact of the ‘husband’s domicile’ rule, and explain when transfer duty is payable on the acquisition

Pulse | Trustee duties in South Africa: Legal responsibilities every trustee must understand

In South Africa, trusts are essential wealth planning tools and trustees play a central role in the administration and protection of trusts. As such, the law imposes strict fiduciary and administrative obligations on trustees – with a failure to comply

Pulse | Planning for the future: Is your estate plan fit for 2026?

Estate planning is not a once-off exercise. As personal circumstances, legislation, and financial structures evolve, so should your estate plan. With 2026 in full swing, now is an appropriate time to assess whether your will and broader estate planning arrangements

Blog | Year-end estate planning: Update your will this holiday season

Before you switch on your out-of-office notification and head for a well-deserved break this holiday season, there’s one important task that shouldn’t be left off your travel checklist: Updating your will. While few people may want to think about legal

Blog | Why every property owner in South Africa needs a will

In South Africa, owning immovable property is a significant financial milestone. Given the economic and social value of property and the complex legal processes required to transfer ownership, the importance of a will for property owners cannot be overstated: Without

Blog | Estate planning essentials: What is a life file?

It’s National Wills Week! Life gets busy and we don’t always plan for the future – or for the worst. In the estate planning arena, personal organisation is key. Accordingly, a life file provides a centralised storage facility for one’s