To act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

To follow any instructions given by beneficiaries without exercising

independent judgment.

To avoid reporting to the Master in order to maintain autonomy.

To maximise personal profit from administering the trust.

Brian’s bequest reverts to the residue of the estate to be distributed

intestate.

Brian’s bequest of R200 000 lapses because Alice died within three

months of the divorce, unless the will expressly provides otherwise.

Brian’s bequest accrues to Claire under the common‑law

ius

accrescendi

Brian still inherits R200 000 because the will was validly executed and

divorce does not affect bequests.

A clause that omits heirs entirely, resulting in partial intestacy.

A clause that distributes the estate equally among named heirs.

A clause that is unclear or contradictory on the face of the document.

A clause that appears clear but becomes uncertain when applied to

external facts.

To assess the testamentary capacity of the testator.

To identify the surrounding circumstances relevant to armchair evidence.

To determine whether the beneficiaries have the legal capacity to

inherit.

To establish the testator’s intention when interpreting the will.

They automatically convert the clause into a trust with fiduciary duties.

They invalidate the clause because the testator’s intention is uncertain.

They impose a legally enforceable obligation on the heir or legatee.

They are generally interpreted as non‑binding expressions of hope or

preference.

The Master of the High Court.

The beneficiaries of the estate.

The family court.

The testator.

A will is lost and cannot be proved in terms of the Wills Act 7 of 1953.

An estate has no heirs and the property falls to the State as the ultimate

heir.

A testator leaves immovable property to minor beneficiaries.

An executor refuses appointment and must be replaced.

Appointment of heirs jointly.

Death of one heir before vesting.

Appointment of a direct substitute.

Renunciation by one heir.

The Act recognises spouses in customary

marriages as heirs under intestate succession.

The Act requires all customary estates to have a written will.