Estate Planning
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging the ownership, transfer and management of your assets to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently, lawfully, and with minimal tax.
It includes drafting Wills, planning for estate duty, setting up trusts and ensuring your heirs receive their inheritance smoothly.
Core Estate Planning Services
Our expert advisors will help you:
- Draft legally sound Wills
- Structure assets to minimise estate duty tax
- Coordinate your plan with retirement and investment structures
- Ensure business continuity through succession strategies
- Establish testamentary and inter vivos trusts
Estate Duty in South Africa
Estate duty in South Africa is governed by the Estate Duty Act 45 of 1955. It prescribes:
- 20% on estates below R30 million, and 25% above that threshold
- Less: allowable deductions, spousal rollovers, and abatements
Inheritance Planning
Inheritance planning ensures your beneficiaries receive their inheritance efficiently and with minimal tax erosion.
We assist with:
- Structuring testamentary trusts for minor heirs
- Appointing professional executors
- Minimising inheritance tax and administration delays
Succession Planning
Succession planning prepares your business or professional practice to continue seamlessly if you retire, sell, or pass away.
We develop:
- Business continuity plans aligned with your estate and retirement strategies
Wills and Executorship
A valid Will is the cornerstone of any estate plan — it ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, avoids disputes among heirs, and streamlines the administration of your estate.
Executorship is the legal responsibility of managing and winding up your estate. Appointing a qualified professional executor ensures that your estate is handled efficiently, lawfully, and with minimal delays or costs.
Our fiduciary specialists at Warwick Wealth provide expert guidance on drafting compliant Wills and offer professional executorship services to administer your estate.
Why Choose Warwick Wealth
- Decades of experience in estate and succession planning
- Integrated approach with retirement, investment and tax planning
- Partnership with Orion Investment Managers for portfolio structuring
- Fully compliant with South African fiduciary and tax legislation
Related Retirement Planning Services
Retirement Annuities
Build your retirement capital tax-efficiently with structured savings.
Living Annuities
Flexible post-retirement income strategies tailored to your needs.
Preservation Funds
Preserve your savings when changing jobs or restructuring employment.
Start Your Estate Planning Journey
Protect your wealth and preserve your legacy. Book a consultation with a Warwick Wealth
estate planning specialist today.
Exceptional Client Care
At Warwick Wealth, we believe that comprehensive estate planning goes hand-in-hand with exceptional client service. Our dedicated team ensures you receive personalised attention, regular updates, and responsive support throughout your estate planning journey.
From your initial consultation to ongoing estate reviews, we're committed to making your experience seamless, transparent, and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging the ownership, transfer and management of your assets to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently, lawfully, and with minimal tax. It includes drafting Wills, setting up trusts, planning for estate duty, and ensuring your heirs receive their inheritance smoothly.
Why is estate planning important?
Without an estate plan, your estate may face delays in winding up, disputes between heirs, excessive estate duty and executor fees, and unplanned property sales to pay taxes. A sound plan preserves your legacy and protects your family's financial future.
What is inheritance planning?
Inheritance planning ensures your beneficiaries receive their inheritance efficiently and with minimal tax erosion. It involves structuring testamentary trusts for minor heirs, appointing professional executors, and minimising inheritance tax and administration delays.
What is succession planning?
Succession planning prepares your business or professional practice to continue seamlessly if you retire, sell, or pass away. It includes developing buy-and-sell agreements, key person insurance structures, and business continuity plans aligned with your estate and retirement strategies.
What is the estate duty tax rate in South Africa?
Estate duty in South Africa is governed by the Estate Duty Act 45 of 1955. The rate is 20% on estates below R30 million, and 25% above that threshold, less allowable deductions, spousal rollovers, and abatements.