Wills & Administration of Estates | De Klerk Vermaak & Partners Inc.
2 in 3 South Africans have no valid Will. Your family could receive nothing. Book a free 30-min consultation this week — limited slots available.
Wills & Estate Administration

Your Family Deserves
Protection.
Does Your Will
Provide It?

Without a valid Will, South African law decides who gets everything — your home, your savings, your children's future. Your partner may receive nothing.

De Klerk Vermaak & Partners Inc. has protected South African families since 1964. Let us help you protect yours.

★★★★★
Trusted by families across South Africa
60+ Years Experience
100% Confidential
Free First Consultation
Established 1964
Free Consultation — No Obligation
100% Confidential
3 Office Locations
★★★★★
"I had been putting off writing my Will for years. De Klerk Vermaak made the entire process straightforward and stress-free. I now have complete peace of mind knowing my family is protected."
— Johan Botha, Will Drafting Client

Without
a Valid Will

  • State decides who inherits
  • Family disputes over assets
  • Costly delays & legal fees
  • Partner may receive nothing

Your loved ones face uncertainty and conflict.

VS

With a
Valid Will

  • You choose who inherits
  • Prevent family conflicts
  • Save time & money
  • Your partner is protected

Your loved ones receive peace of mind.

Trusted legal advisors
60+ Years of
Experience

South Africa's Trusted
Estate Attorneys

Since 1964, we've helped thousands of South African families protect what matters most. Not just legally — emotionally.

6 Decades of Experience

Established in 1964 — our attorneys have guided families through South Africa's most complex estate laws for over 60 years.

Personalised, Not Generic

No two families are the same. Your Will and estate plan is crafted specifically for your circumstances — never a template.

You're Informed Every Step

Estate matters can feel overwhelming. We communicate clearly and regularly — you always know where things stand.

3 Convenient Locations

Offices in Vanderbijlpark, Three Rivers and Mossel Bay. Or consult remotely — we accommodate your schedule.

Our Estate Services

Comprehensive estate services for every life stage — from your first Will to estate administration.

01

Drafting of a Will

Professionally drafted Wills that are legally watertight and reflect your exact wishes — protecting what you've built.

02

Estate Planning

Strategic planning to minimise estate duty, protect dependants, and ensure your assets transfer exactly as intended.

03

Deceased Estate Administration

Expert, compassionate administration of deceased estates — guiding families through a complex process during difficult times.

04

Estate Valuations & Appraisals

Accurate property and asset valuations by qualified professionals — essential for fair estate administration.

A Simple, Clear Process

Click each step to see exactly what happens — from your first call to final peace of mind.

Step 1: Your Free Consultation

The first step is completely free and obligation-free. You'll speak directly with one of our experienced attorneys — not a paralegal or receptionist. We'll listen to your situation, answer your questions honestly, and give you a clear picture of what you need.

No legal jargon — just plain, honest advice
Available in-person or via phone / video
Typically 30 minutes — no pressure to proceed
Walk away with clarity, whatever you decide
Book My Free Consultation
1
Free ConsultationSpeak to an attorney, no charge
2
Estate ReviewAssets, family, existing docs
3
Tailored StrategyYour personalised plan
4
ExecutionLegal drafting & lodging
5
Peace of MindYour family is protected

Step 2: Thorough Estate Review

Once you decide to proceed, we conduct a comprehensive review of your assets, liabilities, family structure, existing documents and any previous Wills. This is where we uncover risks you may not have known about — like an outdated beneficiary, an invalid clause, or an unprotected partner.

Review of all existing legal documents
Assessment of family structure and dependencies
Identification of estate duty risks
Business interest and trust considerations
1
Free ConsultationSpeak to an attorney, no charge
2
Estate ReviewAssets, family, existing docs
3
Tailored StrategyYour personalised plan
4
ExecutionLegal drafting & lodging
5
Peace of MindYour family is protected

Step 3: Your Tailored Strategy

Based on the review, we build a personalised estate plan — whether that's drafting a new Will, updating an existing one, setting up a trust, or planning the administration of a deceased estate. No generic templates. Everything is specific to you and your family.

Custom Will drafted to your exact wishes
Estate duty minimisation strategies
Guardian appointments for minor children
Trust and beneficiary planning
1
Free ConsultationSpeak to an attorney, no charge
2
Estate ReviewAssets, family, existing docs
3
Tailored StrategyYour personalised plan
4
ExecutionLegal drafting & lodging
5
Peace of MindYour family is protected

Step 4: Professional Execution

All legal documents are professionally drafted, reviewed with you for approval, then signed and lodged with the relevant authorities. We handle every technical and administrative step — you just need to give your approval.

Legally compliant document drafting
Witnessed signing in accordance with the Wills Act
Safe storage options for your documents
Lodging with the Master of the High Court where required
1
Free ConsultationSpeak to an attorney, no charge
2
Estate ReviewAssets, family, existing docs
3
Tailored StrategyYour personalised plan
4
ExecutionLegal drafting & lodging
5
Peace of MindYour family is protected

Step 5: Peace of Mind — For Life

Your estate is protected. Your wishes are documented. Your family is provided for — exactly as you intended. And whenever life changes — a new child, a divorce, a new property — we're here to update and protect what matters most.

Your Will is safely stored and accessible
We remind you to review every 3–5 years
Life changes? We update your Will promptly
Your family knows exactly what to do
Start the Process →
1
Free ConsultationSpeak to an attorney, no charge
2
Estate ReviewAssets, family, existing docs
3
Tailored StrategyYour personalised plan
4
ExecutionLegal drafting & lodging
5
Peace of MindYour family is protected
1964 Year Established
60+ Years Combined Experience
3 Office Locations
100% Dedicated to You

Request Your Free
Consultation

Don't leave your family's future to chance. Our attorneys are ready to help.

No obligation — completely free first consultation
100% confidential and private
Available via phone, video or in-person
60+ years of trusted experience

"De Klerk Vermaak handled my late mother's estate with incredible professionalism. They made an incredibly difficult time much easier for our family."

M
Mariette du Plessis
★★★★★

Book Your Consultation

Fill in your details and we'll be in touch shortly.

Consultation slots available. Book now.

Frequently Asked

Have a question not listed here? We're happy to answer — no obligation.

(016) 931 1707

Do I really need a Will if I'm young and healthy?

Yes. Without a Will, South African law — the Intestate Succession Act — decides how your estate is distributed, and it may not align with your wishes at all. If you have a partner who isn't your legal spouse, children, or specific assets you want to direct, a Will is essential. It also appoints guardians for minor children — one of the most important decisions any parent can make.

What happens to my estate if I die without a Will?

If you die intestate (without a valid Will), the Intestate Succession Act dictates who inherits, in a fixed order: spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc. Critically, an unmarried partner receives nothing. The process is also significantly slower and more expensive for your family. A Will prevents all of this.

What makes a Will legally valid in South Africa?

Under the Wills Act 7 of 1953, a Will must be in writing, signed at the end by the testator, and signed by two competent witnesses present at the same time. Any technical error can lead to disputes or an invalid Will. Professional drafting eliminates these risks entirely.

How long does estate administration take?

Typically between 6 to 18 months, depending on complexity. Simple estates with clear assets can be concluded faster. Our attorneys work efficiently to minimise delays and keep beneficiaries fully informed throughout.

How much does it cost to draft a Will?

The cost varies with complexity, but a straightforward Will is very affordable and well worth the investment. Contact us for a free consultation — we'll assess your needs and give you a clear, transparent fee quote. Most people are surprised by how cost-effective professional Will drafting is for the peace of mind it provides.

Can I update my Will after it's been drafted?

Absolutely. Your Will should be reviewed after every major life event — marriage, divorce, a new child, buying property, or a beneficiary passing away. We recommend reviewing it every 3–5 years. Updates are straightforward and we make the process simple.

What Our Clients Say

"

De Klerk Vermaak handled my late mother's estate with incredible professionalism and sensitivity. They kept us informed every step of the way and made an incredibly difficult time much easier for our family.

★★★★★
M
Mariette du Plessis
Estate Administration Client
"

I had been putting off writing my Will for years. The team made the process straightforward and stress-free. I now have complete peace of mind knowing my family is protected.

★★★★★
J
Johan Botha
Will Drafting Client
"

Their knowledge of estate law is exceptional. They identified issues in our previous Will that we were completely unaware of. Highly recommended for anyone serious about protecting their legacy.

★★★★★
A
Anelle Venter
Estate Planning Client

Ready to Protect Your Legacy?

Speak to an experienced estate attorney today — your first consultation is completely free.

Free Consultation