Originally published: 13 March 2015 | Last updated: 20 April 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
TL;DR:<\/strong> Procrastination is the number one reason South Africans don’t have a Will. Common excuses include “I don’t have time,” “I have nothing to leave,” and “I’m too young.” None of these hold up. Over 65% of South African adults lack a valid Will. Creating one online takes under 20 minutes at LegalWills.co.za<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Procrastination is the primary reason most South Africans do not have a Last Will and Testament. Despite knowing a Will is important, people delay\u2014often until it is too late. This article examines the real barriers to Will-writing and explains why none of them justify leaving your family unprotected.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
$\"Procrastination$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Why Do People Procrastinate on Writing a Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. “I Don’t Have Time”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is the most common excuse. In reality, creating a Will online at LegalWills.co.za<\/a> takes under 20 minutes. You can do it from your phone or computer at any time\u2014no lawyer appointments, no travel, no waiting rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. “Nothing Bad Will Happen to Me”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Life is unpredictable. Accidents, illness, and unexpected events can happen at any age. Without a Will, your family faces the intestate succession process<\/a>\u2014which is lengthy, costly, and may not reflect your wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Personal$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n
3. “I Have Nothing to Leave”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Will is not only about distributing wealth. It appoints guardians for minor children<\/a>, names a trusted executor<\/a>, and records your wishes about funeral arrangements and digital assets. Even modest estates benefit from a Will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. “I’m Too Young for a Will”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In South Africa, anyone aged 16 or older can make a valid Will. If you have any dependants, own any property, or have specific wishes about what happens after your death, you need a Will\u2014regardless of your age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. “It’s Too Expensive”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Online Will services have made estate planning affordable for all South Africans. The cost at LegalWills.co.za<\/a> is a fraction of what traditional lawyers charge. The cost of not having a Will\u2014legal fees, family disputes, and delays\u2014far exceeds the cost of creating one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. “It’s Too Complicated”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Modern online Will platforms use plain-language questions to guide you through every decision. No legal knowledge is required. The system generates a complete, legally valid document based on your answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Real Consequences of Not Having a Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Your estate is distributed by law, not by your wishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The court appoints an executor\u2014possibly a stranger<\/li>\n\n\n\n
No guardians are appointed for your children<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Common-law partners inherit nothing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Friends and charities receive nothing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The process takes significantly longer and costs more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n
$\"Getting$ <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
How to Overcome Will-Writing Procrastination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The solution is simple: set aside 20 minutes and do it now. Visit LegalWills.co.za<\/a>, answer the guided questions, and print your completed Will. Then have it signed and witnessed. The peace of mind is immediate and lasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What percentage of South Africans have a Will?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Less than 35% of South African adults have a valid, up-to-date Will. Over 65% die without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How quickly can I create a Will online?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most people complete their Will in under 20 minutes using LegalWills.co.za.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do People Procrastinate on Writing a Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What percentage of South Africans have a Will?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nLess than 35% of South African adults have a valid, up-to-date Will. Over 65% die without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What percentage of South Africans have a Will?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Less than 35% of South African adults have a valid, up-to-date Will. Over 65% die without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n