Estate planning essentials: what you need to know about wills

DO YOU have questions about your last will and testament? David Thomson, Senior Legal Adviser at Sanlam Trust, answers some of the key questions South Africans have raised with Sanlam during Wills Month.

- STAFF REPORTER

TWO-thirds of South Africans don't have a will, putting their families at risk. In this expert guide, Sanlam Trust's Senior Legal Adviser answers the most pressing questions about wills - from preventing forgery to choosing executors - helping you secure your legacy and protect your loved ones. UNSPLASH

He says that with two-thirds of South Africans (66%) not having a will (according to the 2025 Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey), this is a real concern for many South Africans. Understanding the process of drafting a will can help more people leave lasting legacies of love and avoid situations where families are left vulnerable and estates remain bogged down for years.

Thomson addresses some of the main questions:

Sadly, you can't stop someone from trying.