Choosing Who Will Best Manage Your Deceased Estate
Most men select a brother or a long-standing friend for the role when they are choosing a best man to support them on their wedding day. When, at a later stage, the married couple are planning to celebrate the baptism of their child; they will normally be equally discerning when deciding who will act as its godparents. In both cases, the choice is one based upon trust and the knowledge that, with just a brief rehearsal, each of the parties will be able to fulfil his or her roles flawlessly. It is surprising, therefore , that so many spouses and parents fail to apply the same criteria when appointing the executor who will, one day, be responsible for the management of their deceased estate.
It will often be seen as a gesture of trust by a son, a daughter, a sibling or even a close friend who may be allocated this role. However, more significantly, the task of an executor is a serious and demanding responsibility and one that, without adequate knowledge and experience, can quickly become fraught with difficulties. While, in essence, that responsibility involves ensuring that the wishes of the deceased, as stated in his or her last will and testament, are fulfilled in the manner requested, the process requires the incumbent to ensure each step in the process complies fully with any prevailing laws of South Africa that may be applicable to deceased estate management.
Executors are faced with a number of duties and, before embarking upon them, he or she will need to begin by gathering all of the relevant documentation. With adequate help from other members of the deceased’s family, this should not present too much difficulty. Having identified the beneficiaries of the will, however, it is the various legislative requirements that must now be met that can present a challenge. Most are likely to be unfamiliar with these and will need to research them. Although information is plentiful on the web, it is not always presented in terms that are understandable to a layperson. Often, it is at this point, that the inexperienced executor will be forced to seek some guidelines from an attorney.
In practice, although we may trust our close friends and family members with many important aspects of our lives, the management of a deceased estate and complying with the legal requirements involved, is a serious responsibility and one that is invariably best left to an expert in this field. In fact, ensuring that your loved ones receive the best possible support in the event of your demise, begins with drawing up your will, and so it makes sense to assign both of these responsibilities to legal firm.
At Secure Legacy, we understand the needs of the family and the many difficulties with which it can be faced in the absence of proper provision when confronted with the death of a breadwinner. To ensure that the bereaved receive the security they need and which was intended, we provide specialised services that include the drafting of wills, the establishment of trusts, and the planning and management of deceased estates. At Secure Legacy, we share your concerns for your family supporting you and your loved ones with excellence, integrity, compassion and care.