If a person dies without a will, it could lead to severe administrative, tax and legal problems and possibly to financial losses.

In your will, you determine how your assets should be divided, and nominate an executor and trustee to take care of the division of the estate's assets and to handle the administration of any trust assets.

You have the right to name heirs as you wish in your will. If you don't, your assets will be divided according to the Intestate Succession Act, No 81 of 1987, after your death. This could mean that persons you would have preferred not inherit from you, could inherit.

Your will therefore determines the future of everything that you've built up through the years – and your heirs can be directly disadvantaged if you don't plan correctly. Estate duty, income tax, VAT and capital gains tax (CGT) can take a big chunk out of your estate if your planning is wrong.

If you suspect that your will might be more complicated (for instance because there are children from a previous marriage, complex business arrangements and specific wishes), contact us.

The executor of your estate must administer your estate in terms of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, and any other relevant Acts, and execute your estate in accordance with the stipulations of your will (or Intestate Succession Act, when applicable) under supervision of the Master of the High Court. An executor ensures that all debt enforceable against your estate, as well as the necessary tax and administration costs, are paid, and that what remains of your estate is distributed according to the terms of your will.

The executor is the company, firm or person that you appointed in your will. If you choose to draft an online will, Sanlam will automatically be appointed as your executor.

You can send a copy of your signed will to stwills@sanlamtrust.co.za and make use of our complimentary will collection services to ensure your original will is in safekeeping. Altenatively you can also visit your nearest branch.

Without the necessary knowledge, your spouse will also not know where to get the best advice or service. Your spouse may be exposed to someone serving his own interests, in which case the estate's chequebook might end up in the wrong hands.

Approaching a reputable company or section of a company specialising in wills, estates and trusts is a much safer idea:

• You will enjoy the benefits of specialised experience and knowledge
• Your estate will be handled deftly and professionally and you are ensured of objective advice
• You enjoy complete security through internal control
• Sophisticated computer systems ensure top-quality service

As a leading trust company in South Africa, Sanlam Trust offers expert management of deceased solvent estates and living and testamentary trusts. If you choose to draft an online will, Sanlam Trust will automatically be appointed as your executor.

• There are no costs involved
• We will draft your will for free and keep it in safe storage, if Sanlam Trust is the executor or co-executor.
• We will also draft a free living will on request. A living will allows you to detail your desires regarding medical treatment when you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious and no longer able to express informed consent, making things easier for your family.

The content of a Shariah will is fixed and complies with Muslim or Islamic laws. If you would like to compile a Shariah will please contact us.

If you or your beneficiaries have any queries or would like to make changes to the will, please contact us.

• A draft will is generated that you can download immediately. One of our consultants will call you to finalise your will, make sure it reflects your wishes, that you sign it correctly, and return it back to us for safekeeping. You can send a copy of your signed will to stwills@sanlamtrust.co.za and make use of our complimentary will collection services to ensure your original will is in safekeeping. Altenatively you can also visit your nearest branch.
• If you've nominated another party as executor, please download and print the will. You will need to engage a will consultant to finalise your will. We strongly advise that you ensure that your will is safely stored and that the party you have nominated as executor is informed of this.