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
Can I legally inherit property in South Africa if I am from another country?
Yes, you can inherit property in South Africa, as long as there's a valid will.
What should I do if my late parent's attorney lost their will and title deed, and we can't get hold of them?
You should be able to get copies from the Master's Office where the death was registered.
Can I get my parent's RDP house if they passed away before getting the key?
If the house had been awarded to your parent before they passed away, you should be able to get the house (unless they wrote a will saying otherwise).
My cousin that I live with at our grandmother's house has the title deed of the house. How can I challenge this?
You could go to the Master of the High Court’s office with all your details, and ask if the Master has granted someone the letter of authority and who it is.
How do I find out which deceased parent our RDP home belonged to?
You need to go to the Deeds Office and ask them whose name the title deed is in.
Are life policies excluded from a deceased's estate?
Life policies are paid to the nominated beneficiary. If no beneficiary is nominated, the proceeds form part of the deceased's estate, attracting estate duty and executor's fees.
What are my rights to my spouse's estate if he dies, and can my adult children legally challenge my decisions?
Only the appointed executor has the legal authority to manage and distribute the deceased's assets and settle debts.
How can my siblings and I get a copy of our deceased parents' will and do we have a right to their estate?
You can get a copy of your parents' will from the Master of the High Court. You are not guaranteed a share of their estate.
How can I evict an illegal occupant from my late father's house?
First find out if the house is still in your late father's name. You will need to get a court order to evict the illegal occupant.
How can I check if my deceased son's estate was overcharged by the executor, and whether the payout was lawful?
If the executor overcharged you, it would ideally be flagged by the Master's Office.