do you have a will? 
25 August 2008 
 
Almost 1 000 attorneys' firms across the country are to take part in a week-long drive to offer citizens free basic wills.  The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) and its constituent members, including the Black Lawyers Association and the Cape Law Society, is spearheading the Wills Week project.

The LSSA said in a statement that the aim of Wills Week was "to highlight the importance of having a valid will in place to ensure that the wishes of the testator are taken into account when he or she dies, and that his/her assets are disposed of according to his/her wishes".

The week will run from 1 to 5 September 2008 and is also an initiative designed to "encourage members of the public who would not normally make use of the services of an attorney, or who may hesitate to approach an attorney for various reasons, to consult an attorney", the LSSA said in its statement.  The organisation said that approaching an attorney to draft a will meant people could get good advice on any problems that might arise with regard to their will.

"An attorney has the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure your will is valid and complies with your wishes. "Often a will is not valid because the person who drafts it does not have the necessary legal knowledge to ensure that the requirements of the law are met."

Between September 1-5, attorneys participating in the Wills Week project will draft a new, basic will for members of the public with no charge attached. But they will not amend or redraft existing wills.  For contact details of attorneys' firms participating in Wills Week, or to make an appointment with an attorney participating in the project, contact the Cape Law Society on 021 443 6700.

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