Ask Athalie Banner

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.

What is a letter of authority and how can I get one?

The Master of the High Court issues a letter of authority to whoever was nominated to administer a deceased's estate.

Read more

If the deceased was married in community of property, can they leave their estate to someone else?

No, the deceased cannot leave the estate to someone else without their spouse's permission.

Read more

Do my siblings have claim to the house left to me and our late mother by our late grandmother?

It depends on whether your mother left a will. You still have the 50% share left by your grandmother.

Read more

I contracted Covid-19 and have received no support from my employer

You may want the CCMA to get involved.

Read more

If the Municipality miscalculates the amount owing on property rates, is the previous owner liable for payment?

There is some uncertainty surrounding this, but it is possible that you will have to pay.

Read more

My late grandfather had children with two women who he didn't marry. Do they have claim to his house?

The mothers don't but the children do have claim to the house.

Read more

Are caregivers employees or independent contractors?

They are employees if you control when and how they work.

Read more

Can I apply for a child grant if my partner isn't South African?

You can apply for the child support grant if your partner is a refugee or permanent resident.

Read more

Can my landlord change the price I agreed to buy the house for?

If it was a verbal agreement, there is nothing stopping him from changing the price.

Read more

Should an employer pay their worker during the period before the disability benefit is paid out?

The employer is not obliged to retain an employee who is permanently incapacitated if her working circumstances cannot be adapted.

Read more