Most People Worry About Living Costs.
But What About the Cost of Dying?

We all budget for groceries, fuel, and school fees. But few South Africans plan for something that can cost even more: the true financial impact of dying.

It’s uncomfortable to think about. But when you pass away, your family doesn't just lose you. They inherit legal delays, unexpected bills, and a maze of red tape that could last over a year.

Without a Will, Your Family Faces a Legal Crisis

If you pass away without a valid will in South Africa:

  • Your children’s guardianship could be decided by the court. Even if you had a clear preference, the state makes the final call.

  • Family disputes can explode over your belongings. Without instructions, relatives may argue or claim what wasn’t meant for them.

  • Your children’s inheritance may be locked away. Minor children’s funds are often placed in the Guardian’s Fund, where access is restricted.

  • Your assets can’t be touched for months or years. Bank accounts freeze, property sits in limbo, and your family has no legal authority to act until an executor is appointed.

Finalizing an estate without a will can take 2 to 4 years. During that time, your family still needs to pay the bills.

Even With a Will, the Fees Add Up

A valid will helps, but it doesn’t eliminate the cost of death. Even simple estates face serious financial strain. Here’s what most families don’t see coming:

The 4 Big Estate Costs:

#1) Executor’s Fees - 3.5% + VAT of your estate value (e.g. R80,500 on a R2 million estate)

#2) Property Transfer Fees - R30,000 to R50,000 per property to change ownership

#3) Trust Administration Fees - R375,000+ over 15 years for children’s inheritance

#4) Estate Admin & Legal Costs - Fees for paperwork, tax calculations, and advertising

Additional Mandatory Expenses:

  • Master’s Office Fees - R600 to R7,000 depending on your estate’s size

  • Government Gazette Notices - Required legal ads for every estate

  • Estate Account Setup & Rates Clearances - Paid before anything can move forward

And while your estate is being processed, your family is still responsible for day-to-day bills like:

  • Medical aid premiums

  • School fees

  • Car and home insurance

  • Bond or rent payments

  • Utilities and groceries

Monthly costs can quickly reach R10,000 to R30,000. But with accounts frozen and no access to estate funds, your family is left with tough choices: borrow, dip into savings, or use costly bridging finance that reduces the final inheritance.

If both parents pass away together, those costs can double - along with the emotional burden.

There’s a Smarter Way to Protect Your Family

Imagine your family being able to grieve without worrying about frozen accounts, unpaid bills, or legal obstacles.

With an Estate Guardian Plan, that’s exactly what happens.

Here’s What It Covers:

  • All major estate fees: executor, transfer, trust, and admin

  • Master’s Office and Gazette fees

  • Legal and professional costs

  • An emergency cash payout - up to R161,589 within 48 hours

  • Optional double estate cover if you and your spouse pass together

All this from just R82-R208 per month, depending on your age and estate value. And unlike traditional insurance, the cost is often fixed - with minimal or no medical exams.

How Much Can It Save?

Let’s say your estate is worth R2.5 million and includes a house, minor children, and a few investments.

  • Typical estate costs: R350,000 to R400,000

  • Your family’s stress: 9 to 18 months of admin, frozen funds, and tough choices

  • With an Estate Protection Plan: Fees covered, cash released within 48 hours, and your loved ones receive what you intended - not what’s left after costs

What You’ll Never Have to Worry About:

  • Executors deducting fees from your estate

  • Delays due to unpaid transfer or trust costs

  • Your kids’ inheritance being locked in the Guardian’s Fund

  • Your family taking out loans just to survive

  • Medical aid or school fees lapsing

  • Double costs if you and your spouse die together

Take the Next Step

If you already have a will, that’s a great start. But don’t stop there.

Add protection that ensures your family doesn’t carry the financial burden of death.

✅ Draft your will
✅ Put an Estate Protection Plan in place
✅ Sleep better knowing your family is covered

Your legacy shouldn’t be lost to delays and legal fees. Make the choice today that protects the people you love tomorrow.

FAQs

Does this replace a will?
No. It works with your will. You still need a valid will to ensure your wishes are followed.

Can older people or those with health issues apply?
Yes. Plans are available for people over 60 and those with chronic conditions. Unlike life insurance, this covers legal costs - not health risks.

What if my estate is small?
Even a R500,000 estate can incur R40,000+ in fees. These costs come early - often before your family can access funds.

How fast is the cash benefit paid?
Within 48 hours of a valid claim being submitted.

Can I customize my plan?
Yes. You can adjust cover levels based on your needs, including dual-spouse and trust options.

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