TRUSTS

There are a number of different types of trusts

Testamentary Trusts

These trusts are also referred to as mortis causa trusts or "will" trusts. These are trusts which are formed on the death of the founder of the trust.
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Trusts inter vivos

These trusts are formed during the lifetime of the founder.
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Trusts in the strict sense

In these trusts the assets and liabilities of the trust are owned by the trustees in their official capacity.
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Bewind trusts

In these trusts the beneficiaries acquire a vested right upon the creation of the trust, and their rights are only limited in that the control and administration of the assets are transferred to the trustees.
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Discretionary trusts

Beneficiaries do not have any vested rights, and any income or capital which they may receive is determined purely in the discretion of the trustees.
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Vesting trusts

Beneficiaries have a vested right either to income or capital or both. These rights are real rights and not just personal rights.
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Local trusts

This type of trust is formed in South Africa and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Master of the High Court.
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International trusts

This type of trust is formed outside of South Africa and is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Master of the High Court.
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Intestate succession

A person dies intestate if they die without a valid will. A person can also die partly intestate where they do not bequeath all of their assets in the will or if a part of the will is invalid.

Testamentary succession

There cannot be effective succession or estate planning if a financial planner has not considered the making of a valid will. An up-to-date and valid will allows the client to choose his beneficiaries and executors.

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Administration of estates

The Master of the High court supervises this process

SARS

Upon death a person ceases to be a tax payer

Master's office'

A letter of executorship must be issued by the Master

Local authorities

Clearane certificates must be issued for the sale of property

Executors

Administration of Estates Act must be complied with