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The day you die, your bank accounts freeze. The bills do not.

Even with a will, accounts in your name alone can lock up until the Master's Office issues authority. Meanwhile the bond, the rates, the medical aid, the groceries and the funeral all still arrive. Right on time.

"Families do not expect this one. They have a will, they think they are sorted, then the accounts lock and there is no cash for the funeral." - Wills & Trust estate planning specialist

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Your accounts can freeze. The bills do not.

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What matters most right now?

We will shape your plan around this first.

Frozen-account risk

The estate can freeze. The household cannot.

This is the part that blindsides people. A will tells everyone your wishes, but it does not unfreeze a thing. Accounts in your name can stay locked until authority comes through, and when that happens is up to the Master's Office, not you. Liquidity planning exists for one reason: so your family can breathe, and pay the bills, while the slow part runs in the background.

A will gives the instructions. Cash keeps the lights on.

  • The will names beneficiaries and your executor.
  • A trust can keep certain assets moving outside the slowest queue.
  • Liquidity cover can help with executor fees, transfer costs, tax and everyday bills.
  • The point is not only who inherits. It is cash, when they need it most.

Stories from Our Members

Find the Plan for You Your accounts can freeze. The bills do not.

Real people.
Real stories. Real peace of mind.

"I created my will because my child was already 3. I kept putting it off, so I made it my New Year's resolution. It feels good to know my family has clear instructions if anything happens."

Pieter Steyn, with his wife Anna and their son Lucas.

Family gathered around a table looking at their Estate Plan from Wills & Trust

Meet the Steyns

They are passing down generations of hard work, love, and support.

Planning

70% of South Africans die without a valid will. Do not leave your family guessing.

Get free will drafting, unlimited amendments, collection, and secure safekeeping for your signed will.

Set up a Trust.

A complete plan to protect and transfer your assets. A trust can help your loved ones avoid delays in the estate winding-up process through the Master's Office.

Reduce delays and administration costs

Protect assets for the people you choose

A practical option for homeowners

Create Your Trust
Your accounts can freeze. The bills do not.

Write a Will.

Put the essentials in writing, from who should care for your children to how your assets should be distributed.

Clearly state who receives what

Nominate guardians for minor children

Minimise potential family conflict

Create Your Will
Your accounts can freeze. The bills do not.

Administration

Administration, handled with care.

Settling an estate in South Africa can involve the Master's Office, executor appointments, asset transfers, and tax clearance. We help families move through it with less confusion.

Estate administration is personal.

You get a dedicated case manager to guide documents, deadlines, and next steps from start to finish.

Dedicated case managers

Document preparation and review

Clear guidance through legal requirements

Book a Free Administration Call Your accounts can freeze. The bills do not.
Checklist highlighting estate distribution against a backdrop of rolling grassy hills.
Learn More About Administration Your accounts can freeze. The bills do not.

The support families need to settle an estate with confidence.

"I felt completely supported throughout the process. I received all of the documents I needed... When I had questions, I received an answer within 24 hours. The one time I was thoroughly confused by what the Master's Office required, Wills & Trust scheduled a phone call to help me unravel it."

Our Services

Expert support for every step of your estate plan.

Write

Expert will drafting at no cost, with personalised guidance and specialised trust creation. Your signed will is collected, kept securely, and drafted with a fast 48-hour turnaround.

Cover

Add protection for estate fees and liquidity needs, helping your family avoid unexpected costs when they are already under pressure. Flexible plans and extenders keep cover aligned with your needs.

Administer

Our in-house estate team supports South African families through the Master's Office, executor appointments, legal fees, and liquidity benefits that can reduce delays. Beneficiaries receive clear updates throughout the process.

Specialised needs

Shari'ah-compliant wills and trusts designed around your family, faith, assets, and long-term responsibilities.

Member Reviews

Affordable estate plans. Lasting peace of mind.

“

We felt a weight lift once such an important step was complete.

Bill - Wills & Trust member

Bill

Member since 2012

“

I chose Wills & Trust because the process was simple and the support was excellent.

Fatima - Wills & Trust member

Fatima

Member since 2023

“

We felt confident knowing our child's future had been properly considered.

Brendan - Wills & Trust member

Brendan

Member since 2023

A trusted name in online estate planning and settlement.

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From the Blog

Planning Insights

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FAQs

Looking for answers?

Clear answers on wills, estate liquidity, trusts, and legacy planning for South African families.

Browse the full FAQ library
Why is it important to have a will?

Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to South Africa's Intestate Succession Act, which might not reflect your wishes.

This can lead to delays through the Master's Office, family disputes, and additional costs for your loved ones. A will allows you to:

  • Clearly state your wishes for how your assets should be distributed, minimising the chance of conflict among family members.
  • Nominate guardians for your children, ensuring they are cared for by the people you trust.
  • Establish trusts to protect your assets, providing long-term financial security for your beneficiaries.
Do I need a plan?

The plan is an insurance solution designed to cover the costs associated with winding up your estate. These costs, which can be substantial, include:

  • Executor fees: Paid to the person or company responsible for administering your estate.
  • Conveyancing fees: Charged for transferring ownership of property.
  • Estate taxes: Payable on the value of your estate.

Ensuring that your beneficiaries receive their inheritance in full, without having to bear the burden of these expenses.

Ensuring that your children's education is funded, even if you are no longer there to support them.

What types of trusts are on offer?
  • Children's Trust: Protects your children's inheritance until they reach a specified age, ensuring their financial well-being.
  • Widow's Trust: Provides financial security for your spouse while protecting assets for your children's future inheritance.
  • Provider's Trust: Safeguards the inheritance of beneficiaries with special needs, ensuring they receive lifelong care and support.
How do we help connect generations and ensure a lasting legacy?

We believe that a legacy is more than just money. It's about passing on values, providing for future generations, and leaving a positive impact on the world. We help our clients achieve this through:

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