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.
Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email [email protected].
Topic: Inheritance | Show questions and answers for all topics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My late grandfather had children with two women who he didn't marry. Do they have claim to his house?
The mothers don't but the children do have claim to the house.
Can a wife inherit an RDP house if she was not listed as a beneficiary?
It depends whether or not the deceased left a will
My aunt wants to transfer my late grandmother's house to her child. How can we keep the house as a family house?
If your grandmother died without a will, her estate should be divided equally between her children.
Can I get an RDP house even though my late grandfather received one?
Unless you inherited his house, it shouldn't disqualify you from owning your own RDP house.