Question 1

Which Master's office handles estates for Richards Bay residents?

Accepted Answer

Deceased estates for Richards Bay and the Zululand region are administered through the Master of the High Court, KwaZulu-Natal Division, in Pietermaritzburg. The estate must be reported within 14 days of death under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. We manage all the communications and submissions to the Master's office on behalf of the executor and keep the family informed throughout so the process is as smooth as possible despite the distances involved.

Question 2

What happens to a life insurance policy in a Richards Bay estate?

Accepted Answer

Where a life insurance policy names a specific beneficiary, the policy proceeds are paid directly to that beneficiary and do not form part of the deceased estate — they are not available to creditors and are not included in the liquidation and distribution account. Where the estate is the named beneficiary (or there is no named beneficiary), the proceeds fall into the estate and are administered in the usual way under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. We advise Richards Bay clients on the difference and help them structure their policies and will to achieve exactly the outcome they intend.

Question 3

Do you assist clients in Richards Bay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leoni Naude Inc Attorneys assists clients in Richards Bay and the wider KwaZulu-Natal area with wills & estates. Richards Bay deceased estates are administered through the Master of the High Court, KwaZulu-Natal Division. We assist clients across Richards Bay, Empangeni and the wider Zululand region with drafting valid wills under the Wills Act 7 of 1953, appointing executors and guardians for minor children, and winding up deceased estates under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. Online consultations ensure Richards Bay and Zululand clients can access the same quality of estate planning and administration services as clients in Durban or Johannesburg.

Question 4

Why do I really need a will?

Accepted Answer

A will is the only way to ensure your assets go to the people you choose. Under the Wills Act 7 of 1953, a valid will lets you appoint your own executor and name guardians for minor children, and spares your family painful delays and disputes. Without one, the law steps in — and it rarely does what you would have wanted.

Question 5

What happens if I die without a will?

Accepted Answer

You are said to die 'intestate', and your estate is divided according to the fixed formula in the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 — not according to your wishes. The Master of the High Court appoints an executor, and the formula distributes your estate among a defined class of relatives regardless of your actual relationship with them. Guardianship of minor children may also be settled without your input, and your loved ones often wait considerably longer to receive anything.

Question 6

How much does it cost to draw up a will?

Accepted Answer

Drafting a straightforward will is affordable. Under the Wills Act 7 of 1953 a will must be signed in a very specific way to be valid — two witnesses must sign in the testator's presence, and neither witness may be a beneficiary. We make sure yours is executed correctly so it cannot be challenged. We confirm the cost upfront before any work begins.

Question 7

Can you update my existing will?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Wills Act 7 of 1953, a will can be amended by a new will or a codicil, both of which must be signed and witnessed correctly. We review and update your will after a marriage, divorce, new child, property purchase or any major life change, so it always reflects your current wishes and remains legally valid.

Question 8

What is estate administration, and can you help?

Accepted Answer

When someone passes away, their estate must be reported to the Master of the High Court within 14 days under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. The executor then winds up the estate: settling debts, obtaining a liquidation and distribution account, and transferring assets to beneficiaries. We guide executors and families through every step, handle the deadlines and keep things moving with care and patience.

Question 9

Can you help if I live in another town?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We assist clients across South Africa. Much of the process can be handled online and by courier, so you do not need to be in our area to use us, and we keep you updated wherever you are.

Wills & Estates in Richards Bay

Wills & Estates for Richards Bay clients

How it works

Book a relaxed consultation

We help you make the key decisions

We draft your will

You sign it correctly

We keep it safe

We are here for your family afterwards

Frequently asked questions

Two easy ways to consult us

Online, anywhere in South Africa

In person at our Benoni office

Need wills & estates in Richards Bay?