We all know having a will is important. But what many South Africans overlook is that an outdated will can be just as risky as not having one at all. If your will hasn’t been reviewed in years, or doesn’t reflect your current life, it may cause more confusion than clarity.
At Maysure Financial Services, we often say that your will is not a one-time document, it’s a living reflection of your life. And life changes. 2025 is the perfect time to ensure your will still speaks for you, protects the people you love, and aligns with your current reality.
When Should You Update Your Will?
Most people assume they only need to write a will once. But just like your insurance, investments, and financial goals, your will should be reviewed regularly—especially after significant life events. Some of these include:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having children or grandchildren
- Losing a spouse, sibling, or other close family member
- Buying or selling a home or business
- Receiving an inheritance
- Moving assets offshore or starting to work abroad
- Becoming a caregiver or legal guardian
- Changes in tax legislation or financial regulations
Pro tip: If it’s been more than 3 years since your last will update, schedule a review, even if your circumstances haven’t changed dramatically. Laws evolve, and so should your estate plan.
What Happens When a Will Is Outdated?
An outdated will can create more legal problems than it solves. Some real-life consequences include:
1. Unintended Beneficiaries
Old wills often include people you may no longer be in contact with, such as ex-partners, estranged relatives, or deceased family members. If not updated, your assets could end up in the wrong hands.
2. Disputes Between Family Members
A vague or outdated will can lead to conflict, especially if the document is unclear, contradicts your spoken wishes, or excludes new partners or children unintentionally.
3. Frozen or Delayed Estates
If your executor is no longer living, or no longer willing or able to act, your estate may be held up in legal delays as a new executor is appointed, potentially leaving your loved ones without access to funds for months.
4. Unmanaged Tax Risks
Your outdated will might not reflect the latest estate duty thresholds, capital gains tax considerations, or retirement lump sum provisions, potentially reducing the value passed on to your beneficiaries.
It’s Not Just What You Say—It’s How You Say It
The wording of your will matters more than you might think. For example:
- Saying “my children” without listing names could exclude stepchildren or legally adopted children.
- Leaving “the house” to someone without referencing the correct property title deed number could cause delays.
- Saying “split equally between my siblings” without acknowledging a predeceased sibling may cause confusion or contestation.
Small errors like these can cause big headaches for your family. At Maysure, we help ensure your will is clear, legally compliant, and aligned with your intentions.
The Role of a Thoughtful Executor
Your executor is the person who carries out the instructions in your will. If your chosen executor is outdated, or hasn’t been consulted about their role—it could add unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
We recommend appointing someone you trust and who has the right financial knowledge, or partnering with professionals who can work alongside your family to provide both technical expertise and compassionate support.
Updating Your Will with Maysure
At Maysure, we offer a supportive, tailored process to review and update your will without the overwhelm. Our team will:
- Help you identify any blind spots or outdated clauses
- Walk you through lifestyle changes that may affect your estate
- Coordinate with your accountant or lawyer if needed
- Guide you on how your will fits into your broader estate plan
We take the time to understand your values, your family dynamics, and your vision, because protecting your legacy should feel empowering, not intimidating.
Make 2025 the Year You Get It Right
Your will is not just a document, it’s a plan for the people you love most. As life changes, so should your will.
💬 Let’s review it together. Whether you need a full rewrite or a simple update, Maysure is here to help you protect your legacy with clarity, care, and confidence.📞 Ready to take the next step? Contact us to book a confidential review.