You’ve Set Up a Will – What Do You Do Now?
You’ve made one of the most important and forward-thinking decisions for your family’s future. But the Estate Planning process doesn’t end there. That step alone shows how much you care. But just like life, these documents shouldn’t stay frozen in time and should be reviewed and updated as your life evolves.
At Inglis Stephens, we’re here to walk alongside you, not just in setting up your will, but in helping you keep everything aligned with your life as it grows and changes. Think of us as your sounding board through every step of life, someone to help make sure your legacy stays protected, and your family has clarity in a time when they’ll need it most.
Whether you’ve changed your assets, your family structure, or your long-term goals, it’s vital to keep your estate plan aligned with your current reality.
When Should You Revisit Your Will?
We recommend reviewing your will every two years, or when life throws a big change your way; things like getting married, divorced, having children, buying or selling property, or if a beneficiary or trustee passes away are all factors that could potentially create complications.
What Updates Might Be Required?
Common updates include:
- Adding or removing beneficiaries
- Appointing new trustees, executors, and/or guardians
- Including new assets or adjusting distributions
- Clarifying your wishes to avoid a debate
- Creating an Inter Vivos Trust for estate planning purposes
- Creating a Mortis Cause Trust for minor children
We’re here to help you make those changes correctly. Whether that’s redrafting your will or formally assisting in your trust creation, we’ll ensure everything is done by the book and with the least amount of fuss.
A quick word of caution: handwritten edits or loose pages attached to your will might seem harmless, but they can lead to confusion, or even render your will, or portions thereof, invalid. Let’s avoid that altogether.
Thinking Ahead
Wills aren’t just about legalities – they’re about care, clarity, and legacy. We can help you think through the tax or financial implications, report the estate to the Master of the High Court, South Africa when the time comes, and guide your loved ones through it all – gently and efficiently.
Because when your loved ones need support, it should come from someone you trust.
Need a check-in?
Need help with updating wills? Contact us for a free 30-minute review that might save your family weeks of stress later on. You’re welcome to call, email, or even pop in for a chat, we’re always here to help.
CTA: Learn More About Our Expert Fiduciary Services
www.inglisstephens.co.za | 021 914 1144 | admin@inglisstephens.co.za | Office 106, The Village Square, Durbanville, Cape Town
Trusted fiduciary services in Cape Town
