⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in South Africa
In South Africa you can make a will with an attorney, through a bank or trust company, with an online will service or from a template. This guide compares the routes and the questions worth asking before you choose one.
Four routes to writing your will
A South African will must meet the signing and witnessing rules of the Wills Act 7 of 1953, whichever route you choose. The routes differ mainly in cost and the advice included.
An attorney
An attorney can draft a tailored will and advise on marriages in community of property, trusts, family businesses and assets overseas. This route suits larger or complicated estates and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A bank or trust company
Many banks and trust companies draft wills, sometimes at little upfront cost, and often name themselves as executor. Executor’s fees are then charged on the estate, so check who is named and what the estate will pay.
Low upfront cost · Check the executor terms
An online will service
An online will service asks structured questions and produces a will you print, sign and have witnessed. It can suit straightforward estates and leaves you free to choose your own executor.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A template or will kit
A blank template or kit is the cheapest route but offers no prompts or checks. A will not signed and witnessed correctly may not be accepted by the Master of the High Court, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an attorney to make a will in South Africa?
No. A South African will is valid whichever route you use, provided it is in writing, signed and witnessed as the Wills Act requires. An attorney may be worth the extra cost for businesses, trusts or assets overseas. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Who should I name as executor in South Africa?
Anyone you trust can be named, including a family member, and they can appoint a professional to help with the administration. A bank or trust company named in the will charges executor’s fees on the estate.
Is an online will valid in South Africa?
A will made with an online will service can be just as valid as one drafted by an attorney, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed correctly. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice, not the validity of the document.
Does being married in community of property affect my will?
Yes. If you are married in community of property, your will can generally only deal with your half of the joint estate, so it is worth checking your marital regime before you make a will.
Related guides
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
Discuss This in the Community
Have questions about this topic? Join the discussion in our community forum. Get answers from verified professionals and other members.