Will Drafting Attorneys in Johannesburg
A useful will records your wishes clearly and can be implemented when it matters. Hugh Raichlin Attorneys assists Johannesburg clients with drafting, reviewing and updating wills, taking account of family responsibilities, property, business interests and the administration of the estate.
Brief initial telephone discussion at no charge. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. Attorney follow-up is ordinarily within one working day.
This page is for you if…
- You do not have a will or are unsure whether it is suitable.
- You have married, divorced, had a child or experienced another major change.
- You own property, business interests or assets outside South Africa.
- You need to reconsider executors, guardianship wishes or provision for minors.
How Hugh Raichlin Attorneys can help
Draft around your actual circumstances
We help identify beneficiaries, gifts, the residue of the estate, executor nominations and other practical instructions. The documents should be consistent rather than a collection of contradictory clauses.
Review existing wills and changes
A new relationship, divorce, death, move or change in assets can affect the plan. Review an existing will before assuming it still does what you intend.
Plan for valid execution and safe storage
Signing and witnessing formalities matter. We explain the appropriate process and practical arrangements for locating the original when needed.
What to consider before deciding
The will is part of a wider plan
Marital-property rules, debts, beneficiary nominations, trust assets and foreign succession arrangements may affect what passes through the estate. A will does not automatically control every benefit or asset.
Do not rely on informal or electronic changes
An unsigned draft, email or casually altered document can create uncertainty. Obtain advice on execution and amendments rather than assuming a digital signature or message is enough.
Think about administration and liquidity
An estate may need cash for liabilities and administration before assets can be distributed. The executor nomination and record of assets should be practical, not simply ceremonial.
A clear will-drafting checklist
Wishes
Your intentions for the estate and the people it affects.
Beneficiaries
Named beneficiaries and the residue of the estate.
Executor
A practical executor nomination, not merely ceremonial.
Family safeguards
Guardianship and provision for minor children.
Execution
Proper signing and witnessing formalities.
Storage & review
Safe storage of the original and review after major changes.
These items inform a coherent plan. Ticking boxes alone does not create a valid will; proper execution is required.
The next steps
- 1Discuss family circumstances, assets and intended wishes.
- 2Review the legal and practical issues and prepare a draft.
- 3Check the wording and execute the will appropriately.
- 4Store the original safely and review after significant changes.
Information to prepare
Existing wills/codicils; marital-status documents; beneficiary details; asset/liability summary; business interests; foreign assets; intended executor and guardianship nominations. Do not include identity numbers in the initial chat.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid unsigned templates, unsuitable witnesses, unclear beneficiary names, conflicting foreign wills or handwritten amendments made without advice. Tell a trusted person where the original is stored.
Relevant experience for your matter
Jessica's estate-planning work and Abigail's estate and property experience help connect the will with the assets and administration it must address.
Jessica El-Hage
Attorney
LLB · University of Johannesburg
Estate-planning, deceased-estate administration and trust-related matters, with attention to the practical documents a family may need.
View Jessica's profile
Abigail Sher
Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer
LLB · University of South Africa
Notarial and property work that connects a will with estate assets and administration.
View Abigail's profile
Hugh Raichlin
Principal Attorney & Accredited Mediator
BA, LLB · University of the Witwatersrand
Litigation and dispute-resolution experience relevant where estate administration becomes contested.
View Hugh's profileFrequently asked questions
Can you update an existing will?
Yes. Provide the existing documents and explain the changes in your circumstances and intentions.
Does marriage or divorce mean I should review my will?
Yes. Obtain a review rather than assuming an old will will produce the intended outcome after a major relationship change.
Can I simply sign the document electronically?
Do not assume electronic execution satisfies South African will formalities. Follow the advised signing process.
Can my will cover foreign assets?
Foreign assets require coordinated advice. A second will can help in some circumstances but may also create conflict if drafted without coordination.
Related services
Legal Insights
Useful sources
Prepare a will that can be implemented when it matters.
Tell us your family circumstances, assets and intended wishes. A brief enquiry is enough to begin.
What happens next?
Start with a brief telephone discussion so the firm can understand your matter and decide whether it may assist. That initial discussion is free. Where appropriate, a paid consultation is arranged, usually in person; remote arrangements may be considered.
You can begin through our AI-assisted WhatsApp enquiry service at any time. It gathers initial information and does not provide legal advice. Suitable prospective clients ordinarily receive an attorney call within one working day. A message does not confirm an appointment, acceptance of a matter or action on a deadline.
Speak to Hugh Raichlin Attorneys
Visit us by arrangement at 1 The Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg 2192. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00. New enquiries and WhatsApp: 011 010 8336. Email: reception@raichlin.co.za. Existing clients should use 011 483 1527.
Website information is general and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts. Please send sensitive documents only when requested through an appropriate channel.
This website provides general information, not legal advice. Sending an enquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Each matter is assessed on its own facts.