Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Topic: Inheritance  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

If land was bought by multiple individuals at the same time long ago, how do their heirs claim the estate?

It's unclear how the heir of one of the owners would get an individual title deed for his share of the land.

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What are the rights of tenants in a boarding house where the late landlady had life rights?

After the death of the landlady, ownership reverts to the original owners but the PIE Act still applies.

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Who will inherit the house: the person nominated as the beneficiary or the owner's child?

If the owner nominates an heir in their will, that person will become the legal owner of the house.

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Is it easier to transfer a house while the person is alive or through a will?

It will be cheaper if the house is inherited by the heir through a will.

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Can my half-brother claim the house even though my parents were married in community of property?

No, but he has inherited a child's share, just like you and your sister.

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What are the rights of children born in a polygamous marriage?

If the first wife agreed to the second marriage, the second wife and her children have the same protection and rights.

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Can you make a will that allows beneficiaries to access the accounts even before the estate is wound up?

Unfortunately not. It is a legal requirement for your accounts to be frozen upon your death.

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What is a letter of authority and how can I get one?

The Master of the High Court issues a letter of authority to whoever was nominated to administer a deceased's estate.

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If the deceased was married in community of property, can they leave their estate to someone else?

No, the deceased cannot leave the estate to someone else without their spouse's permission.

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Do my siblings have claim to the house left to me and our late mother by our late grandmother?

It depends on whether your mother left a will. You still have the 50% share left by your grandmother.

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