Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

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Topic: Inheritance | Show questions and answers for all topics

If someone gave you their title deed before their death, would you have rights to the house even if your name is not on the deed?

Unfortunately, your name has to be on the title deed for it to count. If there was no will, the law of intestate succession would apply.

Inheritance

How can I claim Government Employees Pension Fund inheritance if I was born out of wedlock?

You may need to contact the GEPF to follow up. A child who is financially dependent on the member can receive a GEPF child pension until they are 22 years old.

Inheritance

If I was a baby when my father died, do I qualify for the Government Employees Pension Fund even if my mother was the only one nominated as a beneficiary?

Dependents under the age of 22 qualify for GEPF benefits. If you were not nominated, the GEPF has the right to overrule the list of beneficiaries to include you.

Inheritance

In the case of joint ownership by multiple parties, what happens if one of the shareholders die?

The deceased's share will be divided between the remaining shareholders. Any major decisions regarding the property, like selling, need the approval of all co-owners.

Housing Inheritance

How can I help my minor child claim his inheritance if I don't have access to his deceased parent's documents?

Start by contacting the Master of the High Court in the area where your child's parent lived and explain the situation.

Inheritance

Can I transfer my dad's property to my name without going through the Deeds Office?

No, I’m afraid there is no way to transfer the house into your name without going the official route through the Deeds Office.

Housing Inheritance

My grandmother wants me to sell the house she left to my sister and cousins if they do not take care of it. How would I do that if I'm not on the title deed?

If your grandmother cannot amend her will, you can call a meeting with your family to discuss your grandmother's wishes and adding you to the title deed.

Inheritance

Can I get my parent's RDP house if they passed away before getting the key?

If the house had been awarded to your parent before they passed away, you should be able to get the house (unless they wrote a will saying otherwise).

Housing Inheritance

Do I have to transfer my late mother's property to my name before leaving it to someone in my will?

Yes, you would need to transfer the house into your own name before you could leave it to beneficiaries in your will.

Housing Inheritance

Can my father's new wife inherit from my mother's deceased estate?

It depends whether there is a clause in your mother's will that precludes inheritance being part of the beneficiary's joint estate.

Inheritance