Wills

Wills

Your will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever sign. It’s how you decide who inherits your assets, who cares for your children, and how your affairs are managed after your death. At Cornell Horn Attorneys, we help you draft a clear, legally valid will that reflects your wishes and protects the people you care about. You’ll receive personal guidance from an experienced attorney who ensures your document is compliant, unambiguous, and easy to execute when the time comes.

What Does a Valid Will Do?

A will gives you control. Without one, South African intestate laws decide who inherits your estate — and the outcome might not match your intentions. Drafting a will ensures your assets, property, and personal items are distributed exactly as you choose.

If you have children, a will lets you appoint a legal guardian and provide for their financial security. It also prevents unnecessary delays, disputes, and costs during estate administration. When your instructions are clear and lawful, your executor can act quickly, and your family avoids avoidable stress and confusion.

A valid, well-drafted will gives your family certainty and stability when they need it most.

When to Update Your Will

A will should evolve as your life changes. Major events can alter how you want your estate handled, and outdated instructions can create unnecessary complications.

You should review or update your will when:

  • You get married, divorced, or enter a long-term partnership.
  • You have children or become responsible for dependants.
  • You acquire or sell significant assets, such as property or a business.
  • Your executor, guardian, or beneficiary passes away or becomes unsuitable.
  • You move to another country or your financial structure changes.

We recommend reviewing your will every few years, even if nothing major has changed. Regular reviews ensure your estate plan remains aligned with your current circumstances, South African law, and your family’s best interests.

What Makes a Will Legal in South Africa

For a will to be valid in South Africa, it must meet these legal requirements:

  • It must be in writing — handwritten, typed, or printed.
  • It must be signed by you (the testator) on every page and at the end.
  • It must be witnessed by two competent people, both present when you sign and when each other sign.
  • Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or related to beneficiaries.

Any deviation from these rules can lead to delays or invalidation. Ambiguous language, missing signatures, or informal updates often cause unnecessary disputes. A properly drafted will removes uncertainty and ensures your executor can administer your estate without interruption.

How Cornell Horn Attorneys Help You

Working with an experienced wills and estates lawyer ensures your document is both valid and practical. At Cornell Horn Attorneys, every will is drafted with precision and tailored to your personal and financial circumstances.

Our attorneys:

  • Ensure your will complies with South African legal formalities.
  • Use clear, enforceable language to prevent disputes or misinterpretation.
  • Advise on executors, guardianship, and beneficiary designations.
  • Address tax and liquidity considerations to streamline estate administration.
  • Update your will when major life changes occur — marriage, divorce, birth, or new assets.

For clients seeking complete peace of mind, we integrate will drafting into a broader estate planning strategy. This coordinated approach aligns your will, trust structures, and asset ownership to protect your wealth and ensure an efficient transfer to your heirs. You’ll know your estate plan covers every detail — from succession to tax implications — with one professional team guiding the process.

When you work with Cornell Horn Attorneys, you receive more than a document. You get professional assurance that your estate and your legacy are protected exactly as you intend.

Start the Process

Putting a valid will in place is straightforward when you have the right legal guidance. Cornell Horn Attorneys offers a confidential consultation to help you clarify your wishes, identify potential risks, and draft a document that meets all South African legal standards.

You can also include your will as part of a complete estate planning consultation, ensuring your assets, trusts, and succession plans are aligned.

Contact Cornell Horn Attorneys to draft or update your last will and testament and make sure your estate is handled exactly as you intend.

Secure your peace of mind.