More than 1000 attorneys’ firms throughout South Africa will be offering a free will writing service to the public during the National Wills Week project taking place from 17 to 21 October 2011.
The initiative aims to highlight the importance of having a valid will in place and to encourage members of the public who would not normally make use of the services of an attorney for various reasons, to do so.
The advantage of using an attorney is that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure that your will is legally valid and complies with your wishes.
More than 1000 attorneys’ firms throughout South Africa will be offering a free will writing service to the public during the National Wills Week project taking place from 17 to 21 October 2011.
The initiative aims to highlight the importance of having a valid will in place and to encourage members of the public who would not normally make use of the services of an attorney for various reasons, to do so.
The advantage of using an attorney is that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure that your will is legally valid and complies with your wishes.
If a person dies without a will, their assets are distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act, which are generally fair and ensure that your assets are transferred to your spouse and children. However, this could take a long time and incur unnecessary costs.
In addition, you may wish to bequeath your possessions to specific people or appoint a particular executor of your choice. A lack of clear of instructions from yourself can lead to conflict and unhappiness amongst surviving family.
To find out details of participating attorneys, go to the LSSA website at www.LSSA.org.za; look out for posters displayed by attorneys in your area; or contact the Cape Law Society (which covers the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape) on (021) 443 6700.
Participating attorneys will draft a new, basic will for free, but will not amend or redraft existing wills.
