24/05/2026
No will. What happens next?
When someone dies without a will in South Africa, this is called intestate succession, and it works like this:
If there's a spouse AND children: they share equally (spouse gets a child's share or the minimum spousal amount โ whichever is more)
If there are only children: they share equally
If there are no children: it goes to parents, then siblings, then further family
The state does NOT take your estate if you have living relatives.
But intestate estates can be complicated โ especially when there are step-children, second marriages, or no clear next of kin.
If you're dealing with an estate where there was no will, please reach out. We deal with these regularly.
Call us on (010) 605 0028
Adapt Estate Administration | Johannesburg