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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.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email info@groundup.org.za.

My late husband married another woman without my knowledge and left his estate to her. What can I do?

Because you did not agree to the second marriage, it is void. You can contest the will.

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What happens with the title deed if there is no will?

The Intestate Succession Act of 1987 applies

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How can I stop my relatives from stealing money from my late grandmother's estate?

You can lodge a complaint with the Master of the High Court.

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Where can I get a PTO certificate for my rural stand?

You need to approach the traditional leader in the area where you live.

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What happens if the seller of a house dies before the transfer has taken place?

The transfer process is halted and the estate of the deceased seller must be reported.

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Can I claim UIF death benefits two years after the person passed away?

Dependants only have 18 months to claim their benefits, but it's worth trying anyway

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Does my son have any claim to my late parents' house?

No, but he will inherit part of your share of the house when you pass away.

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If land was bought by multiple individuals at the same time long ago, how do their heirs claim the estate?

It's unclear how the heir of one of the owners would get an individual title deed for his share of the land.

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If two unwed people owned a house together and one died after getting married to someone else, can the spouse sell the house?

The two title deed holders need to come to an agreement about the sale of the house.

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Does my late ex-husband's girlfriend have claim to his estate?

Unless he made a will leaving his share of the property and assets to his girlfriend, she cannot claim his estate.

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