by Wessels + Van Zyl Inc | Apr 25, 2024 | Wills and Estate Planning
“The golden rule for the interpretation of testaments is to ascertain the wishes of the testator from the language used. And when these wishes are ascertained, the court is bound to give effect to them, unless we are prevented by some rule or law from doing so.”...
by Wessels + Van Zyl Inc | Jan 29, 2024 | Family Law, Wills and Estate Planning
“Marriage is the chief cause of divorce” (Groucho Marx) This Valentine’s Day, think about the legal aspects of your romantic relationship. They’re a lot less exciting than the traditional declarations of love backed up by chocolates and flowers, but they’re just as...
by Wessels + Van Zyl Inc | Jan 4, 2024 | Wills and Estate Planning
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” (Mahatma Gandhi) For many of us our pets are a central part of our lives, our much loved “fur babies”, our companions, exercise partners, even therapists through the...
by Wessels + Van Zyl Inc | Nov 27, 2023 | Wills and Estate Planning
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” (Songwriters Pola & Wyle) As the end of another year approaches, with its family celebrations and holidays, take the time to check that your estate plan really does ensure that your loved ones will be looked after when...
by Wessels + Van Zyl Inc | Sep 26, 2023 | Wills and Estate Planning
“Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” (Ambrose Bierce) It may well be that in the future, we will be able to make a perfectly valid will (“Last Will and Testament”) by way of a video recording or other electronic means, but that day has...
by Wessels + Van Zyl Inc | Aug 28, 2023 | Wills and Estate Planning
“Live each day as if it were your last… because one day, you’ll be right.” (Benny Hill) It’s always tempting to procrastinate about decisions that force us to address the inevitability of our own mortality. But we have no choice when it comes to protecting our loved...