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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

In the case of joint ownership by multiple parties, what happens if one of the shareholders die?

The deceased's share will be divided between the remaining shareholders. Any major decisions regarding the property, like selling, need the approval of all co-owners.

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How can I help my minor child claim his inheritance if I don't have access to his deceased parent's documents?

Start by contacting the Master of the High Court in the area where your child's parent lived and explain the situation.

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Can I transfer my dad's property to my name without going through the Deeds Office?

No, Iā€™m afraid there is no way to transfer the house into your name without going the official route through the Deeds Office.

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My grandmother wants me to sell the house she left to my sister and cousins if they do not take care of it. How would I do that if I'm not on the title deed?

If your grandmother cannot amend her will, you can call a meeting with your family to discuss your grandmother's wishes and adding you to the title deed.

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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).

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Do I have to transfer my late mother's property to my name before leaving it to someone in my will?

Yes, you would need to transfer the house into your own name before you could leave it to beneficiaries in your will.

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Can my father's new wife inherit from my mother's deceased estate?

It depends whether there is a clause in your mother's will that precludes inheritance being part of the beneficiary's joint estate.

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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.

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Do I need to transfer a deceased person's estate to my name in order to pay off its debt?

No, the debt must first be paid from the deceased estate before the title deed can be transferred.

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Can my relative go back on a verbal agreement we made over a decade ago to give me his property?

When it comes to property, agreements must be in writing and signed by all parties involved.

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