Pretoria - Members of the public will be able to get a basic will drawn up free of charge during National Wills Week.
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) said attorneys across the country will provide the service at no charge during the week which runs from 6 to 10 September.
"The aim of National Wills Week is to highlight the importance of having a valid will in place to ensure that the wishes of testators are taken into account when they die, and that their assets are disposed of according with their wishes," LSSA said.
The initiative also aims to encourage members of the public who would not normally use services a lawyer to do so.
During the week attorneys participating in the initiative will draft new, basic wills for the public. Attorneys will not amend or redraft existing wills.
The LSSA said it was important that a lawyer, who had the necessary knowledge, drafted a will.
"Often a will is not valid because the person who drafts it does not have the necessary legal knowledge to ensure that the requirements of the law are met," it added.
The details of attorneys participating in the National Wills Week initiative can be accessed on the LSSA website www.LSSA.org.za or by contacting the provincial law societies.
