Family & Succession
Family matters call for clear advice given kindly. We draft wills, administer estates, and represent clients in marriage, custody and maintenance proceedings.
People writing or updating a will, families administering an estate after a death, spouses separating, and parents settling custody and maintenance.
What we do
- Wills and estate planning: A will that says clearly who gets what, names executors who will act, and is executed so that it holds.
- Probate and letters of administration: The court process that lets executors or administrators collect and distribute an estate, with or without a will.
- Intestate succession advice: How the Intestate Succession Law shares an estate when there is no will, and what that means for the surviving family.
- Divorce, custody and maintenance: Representation in petitions for divorce and in custody and maintenance applications, with settlement pursued wherever it is possible.
- Marriage matters: Registration of marriages and agreements between spouses about property.
How a matter usually runs
- A private conversation: What has happened or what you want to arrange, who is involved, and what worries you most. Everything stays confidential.
- Options in writing: A short note of the routes open to you, what each involves, and what it costs.
- Documents and, where needed, court: We prepare the will, the application or the petition, and represent you where the matter goes before a court.
- Settlement and follow-through: We obtain the grant, distribute the assets and see any order carried out, then leave you a note of what to keep for the future.
What to bring
- Identification and, where relevant, the marriage certificate
- The death certificate and any will, for estate matters
- A list of assets and debts as far as you know them
- Names and contact details of the family members involved
- Any court papers you have received
Common questions
Do I need a will if I am married?
Yes. Without a will the Intestate Succession Law decides the shares, and they may not match what you would choose. A will lets you decide.
How long does probate take?
It depends on the court, whether anyone objects, and how complete the papers are. Straightforward estates move faster when the asset list and death certificate are ready at the start.
Can a divorce be settled without a fight?
Often. Where both spouses want to resolve matters, terms on property, custody and maintenance can be agreed and presented to the court, which is quicker and far less costly.
Will you speak to my family members?
Only on your instructions. We act for you, and we keep what you tell us confidential.