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Get a will drawn up for free

National Wills Week is an initiative by the LSSA (Law Society of South Africa) to encourage more South Africans to get this essential document drawn up.

Attorneys participating in the project will write a basic will and testament for free this week, 15-19 September, 2014.

Normally a basic will costs between R500 and R1500 to have professionally drawn up, says Barbara Whittle, communications manager at LSSA. More complex wills may push prices up further.

Why you need a will
Having an up-to-date will ensures your assets are disposed of according to your wishes after your death.

It gives you and your family peace of mind that there will be no misunderstanding about the inheritance of your estate.

It is possible to draw up a basic will yourself, but getting this done professionally is reassuring, says LSSA. An attorney has the expertise to ensure the will is legally valid and sets out your wishes correctly.

If you die without leaving a valid will, your assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Interstate Succession Act. Usually this ensures that your spouse and children receive the assets.

However, your specific assets may not be left to the person of your choice, and lack of clear instructions is a frequent cause of unhappiness and conflict among family members.

Find an attorney participating in National Wills Week, which runs every year in September.


Read more: 
Why you need a living will
Belgium gives kids right to die
Spiritual care rare at end of life

Source:
LSSA, National Wills Week information

Image of will: Shutterstock

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