The Pro’s and Con’s of using a Will and Testament Template in South Africa

For many people a will template is appealing due to the convenience of being able to create a will quickly and in many cases at a far reduced cost or even for free.

What are the pro’s and con’s of using a will template when compared to a customised will?

The Pro’s

1. Templates are conveniently online,
2. You can create your will from the comfort of home so you don’t need to take time off for appointments to have your will written up,
3. It’s affordable and lastly,
4. It’s fast especially if you need a will urgently.

The Con’s

1. A template will be generic with only basic clauses,
2. Specific additional clauses in line with your personal circumstances will protect your beneficiaries when you die. Often will templates omit these,
3. Will templates seldom deal with simultaneous death and the provision of a testamentary trust to protect vulnerable children,
4. There are very specific legal requirements when writing and signing a will. Often people using a will template think their affairs are in order only to have the will contested due to errors in signing the will.
5. Lastly, will templates don’t normally make allowances for special bequests or instructions for items of value.

Choosing between a template and a customised will from Attorneys doesn’t need to be your only choice.

With the advent of technology and the introduction of cutting edge FidTech online solutions can allow you the best of both.

SmartWill works alongside top Fiduciary lawyers to ensure that you can create a will, quickly, and professionally taking all legal requirements into account and physically checking your will to ensure it is valid at an affordable price and in the palm of your hand.

What some of our customers think.

"The process of updating my will was so overwhelming that I had snoozed the reminder on my to-do list since my my second child was born... and he is almost three. Then I found SmartWill.
The website is so intuitive and extremely simple. I found myself wondering whether it was too simplistic! The website guides you through an easy, step-by-step process that you can complete in your own time, in the comfort of your home. It takes an overwhelming task, and breaks it down into easy-to-answer questions. The cost is nominal, the quality is extraordinary. You don’t need to make an appointment with a lawyer, yet your will is reviewed by a lawyer. The whole process was so streamlined, I really can’t fault it. I strongly recommend that you just take the first step. The rest is easy." - Tanya Hanekom

"A will is always the lowest item on most people's daily priority list, but SmartWill helps make it as easy and seamless as possible. With the ability to dip in and out of the website when you have time to complete the details. With constant but not overbearing email reminders, and good advice from real people when you need it, the overall adds up to an excellent service for the price. Thanks SmartWill I can sleep a little easier now!" - Charles Edwards