Originally published: 8 June 2017 | Last updated: 14 August 2025
South African law allows individuals who reach 16 years of age to create valid Wills which will remain in effect. Young adults need Wills too. Especially if they have children, own property, have savings, or want specific people to inherit their belongings. Life brings unexpected events which create family risks when someone dies without a Will at any time throughout their life.
Why Do Young Adults Need a Will?
You May Have More Assets Than You Think
South African law allows individuals to create their first Will once they reach any age. The Wills Act 7 of 1953 permits anyone who reaches 16 years of age and maintains mental capacity to create a valid Will. Young adults need Wills because they have children and properties and specific inheritance desires which match the needs of older people.
You May Have Dependants
People who have reached adulthood might own cars and maintain retirement accounts and possess life insurance coverage and possess digital assets which maintain their original value. The Intestate Succession Act directs asset distribution when people fail to create Wills which would distribute their assets based on their personal desires.
You Can Appoint Guardians
Young South Africans need to support their financial obligations for children and elderly parents and romantic relationships. The Will serves as their protection against any danger.
Life Is Unpredictable
Young parents who wish to protect their children need to select someone who will serve as their guardian during their absence. Young parents need to select guardians for their children because this decision stands as their most vital responsibility.
How Can Young Adults Create a Will Affordably?
Life Is Unpredictable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to make a Will in South Africa?
The occurrence of accidents together with sudden medical conditions affects people from all age groups. A Will protects your affairs because it enables you to stay organized during every stage of your life.
Do I need a Will if I’m single and have no children?
LegalWills.co.za operates as an online platform which lets users generate Wills through affordable digital services. The system guides users through a 20-minute process which creates a document that holds legal validity. The document contains all necessary elements to function correctly.
He has over 20 years of experience helping people to write their Will and other estate planning documents. He has been interviewed by many of the major news media outlets and has contributed to articles in most leading publications. He has also contributed to a number of financial planning books.
Throughout his career, Tim has written extensively on the subject of Will writing and estate planning.
