How to Avoid Fighting Over the House – A Guide for Life Partners

by Albert Saunders Attorneys | May 27, 2025 | Family Law, Property, Wills and Estate Planning

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of bandages and adhesive tape.” (Groucho Marx) It’s a perennial topic of dispute in our courts. A couple lives together, sharing the same roof and everything else in perfect happiness and harmony.  Until it all goes south....

Do You Need a Second Will for Your Overseas Assets?

by Albert Saunders Attorneys | Jan 28, 2025 | Wills and Estate Planning

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” (Pablo Picasso) If you own assets outside South Africa, you may have wondered: Is my local will enough? This is a question many South Africans are asking, and the answer will depend on your...

Estate Planning: Why it Matters, and How To Get Started

by Albert Saunders Attorneys | Nov 26, 2024 | Wills and Estate Planning

“When the hurly-burly’s done, when the battle’s lost and won.” (One of the witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth) Another year draws to a close! If you’re taking a break, now’s a great time to get started on an estate plan – or to update your existing one. Estate planning...

How Can You Protect Your Heirs’ Inheritances from Their Creditors?

by Albert Saunders Attorneys | Sep 25, 2024 | Wills and Estate Planning

“The only person who sticks closer to you in adversity than a friend is a creditor.” (Unknown) You’ve done everything you can to leave your loved ones financially secure after you die. You’ve left enough assets to set them up in their own lives, made a valid will...

Sibling Showdown: How One Missing Word in a Will Divided a Family

by Albert Saunders Attorneys | Aug 27, 2024 | Wills and Estate Planning

“From small mistakes come great catastrophes.” (Justin Cronin) We’ve all seen how even the smallest mistake can have huge consequences down the line. A recent High Court spat between siblings over a poorly-drafted will confirms once again that when it comes to...

In the Land of the Will, Clarity is King

by Albert Saunders Attorneys | Jul 10, 2024 | Wills and Estate Planning

“The golden rule for the interpretation of testaments is to ascertain the wishes of the testator from the language used. And when these wishes are ascertained, the court is bound to give effect to them, unless we are prevented by some rule or law from doing so.”...