Leave a legacy, honour your loved ones
What is a Will?
A Will (sometimes referred to as a last Will and Testament) is not just a legal formality. It’s your legacy, ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones cared for when you are no longer here.
It is a legally binding document that lets you choose someone (called an Executor) who will wrap up your affairs when you die. It details how your estate - all your belongings, investments, and other assets like your home or car - should be distributed. It provides clear instructions for the guardianship of minor children and can include the creation of a testamentary trust to offer financial security for dependants.
For a Will to be legally binding, it must comply with the following formalities:
- It should be in writing; and
- Signed in the presence of two competent witnesses (at least 14 years or older).
Why do you need a Will?
A Will helps you to protect your family, your wealth and your legacy. You need a Will to ensure that your estate is administered just as you would like it to be when you are no longer here.
If you die without a Will (this is called dying intestate):
- Your estate (the things you’ve left behind) will be distributed according to legislation, and it might not be to the people you would have chosen.
- A court will decide who looks after your children without your guidance.
- Any money left to minor children goes into a government fund, so a trust can’t be set up for them.
- Family disputes and delays are more likely to happen.
Why have a Will with Fedgroup?
Benefits of having a Will
Having a Will means your wishes are clear and your family won’t be left guessing what to do with your estate after you are gone. And if you already have a product with Fedgroup, you qualify for our free Will drafting service.
Free, safe-keeping of your Will
One free update of your Will, every year
If you have no existing investments with Fedgroup, we still offer Will writing services. We charge R450 ex VAT for drafting a Will if you are not an existing client of Fedgroup.
Understanding what it entails
What is Estate Administration?
When you pass away, your estate must be administered in terms of your Will or, if you don’t have a valid Will, in terms of the Intestate Succession Act. The Executor of estate manages this process, which includes securing and valuing assets, settling debts, handling tax obligations, and ensuring that what is left over is given to the people in the Will.
Fedgroup’s experienced Executors ensure this process is carried out professionally, efficiently, and in compliance with the Administration of Estates Act, under the supervision of the Master of the High Court.
What happens after you pass on
The Estate Administration process
Administering an estate is a big responsibility, which is why choosing your Executor of estate is an important decision. That’s why we recommend appointing Fedgroup as the Executor of the Will that you have with us, rather than leaving this task up to family members who are already processing so much.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what this process involves:
Phase 1
Notification and reporting
Gather documents, meet the family, and report the death.
Phase 2
Executor appointment
Get legal permission to act, let creditors know, and check what the estate is worth.
Phase 3
Liquidation and distribution
Prepare the official account of everything owned and owed, settle debts, file taxes, and advertise the account for inspection.
Phase 4
Final distribution
Transfer property, pay beneficiaries, and close the estate.
Your estate planning journey starts here
How to draft a Will and start estate planning
Drafting a Will with Fedgroup is simple! You can either complete your application and submit it to us, speak to one of our friendly consultants, or speak to your financial advisor.
