Estate Planning in a Second Marriage: What a Will Alone Cannot Resolve

A second marriage introduces a layer of legal and financial complexity that most couples underestimate. When both parties bring children, assets, and, in many cases, prior divorce settlements into a new union, the standard estate planning question shifts from “who gets what?” to “what does the law say happens first?” The answer depends heavily on […]

DEATH AND TAXES

“…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” Benjamin Franklin, in 1789 Have you considered seeing a professional regarding your Estate Planning? Estate Duty is levied at 20% on all property in your estate over the cumulative value of R 3 500 000.00. Unfortunately an estate is not only subject […]

Usufruct, usus and habitatio: What is the difference?

Usufruct, usus and habitatio are personal servitudes. These servitudes are sometimes considered as an estate planning tool to reduce estate duty, but testators don’t always realise what this entails and the burden it could place on the heirs.  What is a personal servitude? A personal servitude is always constituted in favour of a particular individual […]