How the firm assists
Services
Estate and succession planning
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Probate and letters of administration
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Succession certificates and asset transfer
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Inheritance entitlement and family settlements
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Business continuity and ownership transition
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Cross-border estates and overseas beneficiaries
Advice and implementation tailored to the right, transaction, dispute and commercial objective.
Legal context
Governing framework
Inheritance and estate administration may engage applicable personal law, the Succession Act, 1925, probate and administration procedure, property and company law, tax considerations and rules concerning succession certificates and transfer of assets. Individual arrangements must respect mandatory inheritance rights.
From instruction to outcome
Likely stages
- Prepare an inventory of assets, liabilities, ownership and family structure.
- Identify applicable personal law, succession rights and jurisdictional issues.
- Review nominations, companies, partnerships, trusts, gifts and existing wills.
- Select lawful planning and business-continuity arrangements.
- Prepare and execute the required documents and records.
- After death, obtain authority and administer or distribute the estate.
Preparing an instruction
Documents commonly required
- Identity and family-registration documents
- Title deeds and property records
- Bank, investment and insurance information
- Company, partnership and shareholding records
- Existing wills, gifts, nominations or settlements
- Death certificate and heirship material for administration
Practical guidance
Frequently asked questions
Can a will override all inheritance rights?
A will operates within the limits of the applicable personal and succession law. Planning should be tested against mandatory rights and formal requirements.
Why include business continuity in estate planning?
A death or incapacity can interrupt management, banking authority, ownership and contracts. Continuity planning aligns succession with governance and operational arrangements.
How are overseas assets handled?
Different assets and jurisdictions may require separate grants, local advice and coordinated administration. Early identification reduces delay and inconsistent treatment.
Relevant experience