Wills
A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important documents you will ever sign in that it ensures that your proprietary wishes are honoured and your legacy is devolved among your heirs.Whilst templats of Wills are easily obtainable, it is our experience that a testator needs to bear in mind the underlying motive for making the Will and should have a comprehensive view of any legal implications, options and consequences as well as the possible impact thereof on beneficiaries. At Houghton Harper, when we draft a Will, we offer legally-sound and solid advice to ensure that your estate planning meets its administration without the pitfalls that arise during the administration of an estate.
Administration of Deceased Estates
The Administration of a Deceased Estate is the procedure followed to divest a deceased person of their assets, pay estate debts and transfer assets to testamentary or intestate heirs. Houghton Harper’s Ioannis Condongiannis has in excess of 10 years experience in winding up estates, both testate and intestate. (Testate, where there is a valid Will and Intestate, where there is no Will).The administration procedure is detailed and at times complex hence the importance of a properly-drafted Will. It is the duty of the Executor of an estate to administer the estate. The Executor is a person appointed by the Master of the High Court and is either nominated in the deceased’s Will or nominated by the family in the case of a person who dies intestate.The Master of the High Court requires the Executor to be assisted by an agent with legal training or experience if he or she does not have the necessary experience. At Houghton Harper, we ensure that our services in this regard are swift and financially viable to all parties involved.
Prenuptial and Universal Partnership Agreements
Antenuptial Contracts
The Matrimonial Property Act of 1984 makes provision for parties to choose one of three forms of marriage to govern their union. Two of which require the parties to enter into an Antenuptial Agreement to validate their choice. Hence, should the parties wish to completely exclude community of property and profit and loss or to exclude community of property and profit and loss but include a system of asset sharing upon dissolution of their marriage, they are required to sign a Pre-Nuptial Agreement.
Universal Partnership Agreements
Parties are advised in cases where they want to ensure that their partnership is recorded for purposes of certainty, to enter into a Universal Partnership Agreement detailing how assets and liabilities should be dealt with upon termination of their relationship.
Wills, Prenuptials & Estate Contact Form:
If you’d like to contact us about your Will, Administration of a Deceased Estate or Prenuptial or Universal Partnership Agreement, please call us on 011 648 1066 or 011 023 7212.
