Practice areas · Property and estates
Plan your estate now, so your family is not left guessing
A proper will and a sensible plan spare your loved ones extra worry at a hard time. We also help families who are administering the estate of someone who has died.
Suite 6A, Monpark Building, Monument Park · Sensitive matters handled in confidence
Who this is for
When to speak to us about an estate
Some conversations are easier to have before they are urgent.
You have no will, or an old one
Your life has changed and your wishes should be on paper.
You want to protect children or dependants
You are thinking about a trust to look after them.
You want your wishes known
You would like your family to know what you want if you become too ill to say so.
A loved one has died
You need help administering their estate.
How we can help
Planning and administration
- Wills. Drafting a will that meets the formalities the law requires.
- Letters of instruction. A note for your family about your wishes and where to find important documents.
- Trusts. Setting up a trust, including one that looks after minor children or dependants after you have died.
- Living wills. A document that records your wishes if you cannot speak for yourself.
- Estate administration. Attending to the estate of someone who has died, from the first steps onward.
Why use an attorney
A document that looks like a will can still be invalid if it misses the legal formalities. As an attorney and qualified conveyancer, Retha Verster can also attend to any property transfer an estate may require.
How it works
How we approach an estate
- 1
Tell us your situation
Whether planning ahead or administering an estate, send a short note or phone.
- 2
Agree a plan and a fee
We discuss what is needed and confirm the fee before work begins.
- 3
Put it in order
We prepare the documents or take the next legal steps, and explain each one.
Straight answers
What we can and cannot do
Estate work is practical as well as emotional.
We cannot predict the tax or cost consequences for your particular estate without seeing the details, and we will not guess. We will explain your options, draft clear documents, and refer you to a financial adviser where investment or insurance advice is needed.
Enquire
Ask about wills and estates
Send a few details and our office will contact you to talk it through.
Questions
Questions about estates
What does it cost?
We quote for your matter after we understand it, and we confirm the fee before work starts.
What should I bring?
Your identity document, a list of your assets and who you would like to benefit, and any existing will.
How long does an estate take to finalise?
It depends on the estate and the people involved. After hearing the facts we will give you a realistic view.
How often should a will be reviewed?
Whenever your family, work or assets change, because an old will may no longer say what you mean.
Leave your family clarity, not questions.
Tell us what you would like to arrange and we will explain how.