﻿{"id":2517,"date":"2025-10-23T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/?p=2517"},"modified":"2026-06-09T20:07:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T18:07:58","slug":"writing-a-will-with-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Have Children? Why You Need a Last Will and Testament"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Originally published: 27 June 2019 &nbsp;|&nbsp; Last updated: 23 October 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"border-left-color:#2980b9;border-left-width:4px;background-color:#f0f7fb;padding-top:20px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:24px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TL;DR:<\/strong> If you have children, a Will is essential. It appoints guardians, protects inheritance through trusts, ensures fair distribution, and prevents court-appointed strangers from making decisions about your children&#8217;s future. Create a Will with guardian provisions at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\">LegalWills.co.za<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n\nTL;DR: A Will becomes mandatory for people who want to protect their children. The document establishes guardianship for children while using trusts to defend family assets and it protects equal inheritance shares and stops unfamiliar people from getting control over your children&#8217;s life choices. LegalWills.co.za provides a service which lets you develop a Will that includes guardian protection.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"322\" data-attachment-id=\"1916\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/07\/03\/guardian-children\/shutterstock_74656324\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/shutterstock_74656324.jpg?fit=450%2C322&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"450,322\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"shutterstock_74656324\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/shutterstock_74656324.jpg?fit=450%2C322&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/shutterstock_74656324.jpg?resize=450%2C322&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Write a Will\" class=\"wp-image-1916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/shutterstock_74656324.jpg?w=450&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/shutterstock_74656324.jpg?resize=300%2C215&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Why_Is_a_Will_Essential_for_Parents\" >Why Is a Will Essential for Parents?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Appoint_Guardians_for_Your_Children\" >Appoint Guardians for Your Children<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Protect_Your_Childrens_Inheritance\" >Protect Your Children&#8217;s Inheritance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Ensure_Fair_Distribution\" >Ensure Fair Distribution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Choose_a_Trusted_Executor\" >Choose a Trusted Executor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#Can_I_appoint_separate_guardians_for_different_children\" >Can I appoint separate guardians for different children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/#What_happens_to_my_children_if_I_die_without_a_Will\" >What happens to my children if I die without a Will?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_a_Will_Essential_for_Parents\"><\/span>Why Is a Will Essential for Parents?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Appoint_Guardians_for_Your_Children\"><\/span>Appoint Guardians for Your Children<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nPeople need to create their Last Will and Testament because having children stands as the most essential factor which requires this legal document. The court will decide which person should care for your children while it determines the distribution of your assets because you did not create a Will.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protect_Your_Childrens_Inheritance\"><\/span>Protect Your Children&#8217;s Inheritance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nTable of Contents\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"378\" data-attachment-id=\"2521\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/guardians-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?fit=1170%2C378&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1170,378\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Guardians\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?fit=646%2C209&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?fit=646%2C209&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?w=1170&amp;ssl=1 1170w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?resize=300%2C97&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?resize=1024%2C331&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?resize=768%2C248&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Guardians.jpg?resize=770%2C249&amp;ssl=1 770w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ensure_Fair_Distribution\"><\/span>Ensure Fair Distribution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nToggle\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_a_Trusted_Executor\"><\/span>Choose a Trusted Executor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nThe Necessity of Wills for Parents to Protect Their ChildrenAppoint Guardians for Your ChildrenProtect Your Children\u2019s InheritanceEnsure Fair DistributionChoose a Trusted ExecutorFrequently Asked QuestionsCan I appoint separate guardians for different children?What happens to my children if I die without a Will?\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" data-attachment-id=\"2227\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/42254407-grandparents-and-granddaughter-playing-in-park-together\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/42254407_s.jpg?fit=450%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"450,300\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;42254407 - grandparents and granddaughter playing in park together&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;stockbroker\/123RF&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;42254407 - grandparents and granddaughter playing in park together&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"42254407 &amp;#8211; grandparents and granddaughter playing in park together\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/42254407_s.jpg?fit=450%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/42254407_s.jpg?resize=450%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Guardians for children\" class=\"wp-image-2227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/42254407_s.jpg?w=450&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/42254407_s.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" data-attachment-id=\"2527\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/active-adolescent-child-167300\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?fit=1280%2C853&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,853\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"active-adolescent-child-167300\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?fit=646%2C430&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?fit=646%2C430&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/active-adolescent-child-167300.jpg?resize=770%2C513&amp;ssl=1 770w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"566\" data-attachment-id=\"1741\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/trusts\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trusts.jpg?fit=734%2C643&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"734,643\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"trusts\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trusts.jpg?fit=646%2C566&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trusts.jpg?resize=646%2C566&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Trusts for children\" class=\"wp-image-1741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trusts.jpg?w=734&amp;ssl=1 734w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trusts.jpg?resize=300%2C263&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_appoint_separate_guardians_for_different_children\"><\/span>Can I appoint separate guardians for different children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nA Will functions as the sole document which lets you decide who should become your children&#8217;s guardian when both parents pass away.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_to_my_children_if_I_die_without_a_Will\"><\/span>What happens to my children if I die without a Will?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nCreate a testamentary trust to hold your inheritance assets until your children develop into responsible adults.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Article\",\"headline\":\"Why Parents Need a Will in South Africa\",\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Tim Hewson\"},\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"LegalWills.co.za\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-06-27\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-26\"}<\/script>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do parents need a Will?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"To appoint guardians, 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Potentially someone you would not have chosen.\"}}]}<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Originally published: 27 June 2019 &nbsp;|&nbsp; Last updated: 23 October 2025 TL;DR: If you have children, a Will is essential. It appoints guardians, protects inheritance through trusts, ensures fair distribution, and prevents court-appointed strangers from making decisions about your children&#8217;s future. Create a Will with guardian provisions at LegalWills.co.za. TL;DR: A Will becomes mandatory for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":true},"categories":[7],"tags":[28,22,53,54,24,45,15],"class_list":["post-2517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wills","tag-couples","tag-guardians","tag-joint-wills","tag-mirror-wills","tag-trusts","tag-updating","tag-wills"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\r\n<title>Have Children? Why You Need a Last Will and Testament - The S.A. LegalWills Blog<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have children, writing a Will is critical. It allows you to name guardians, set up trusts - take control of your child&#039;s future after you are gone.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2517\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Have Children? Why You Need a Last Will and Testament - The S.A. LegalWills Blog\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you have children, writing a Will is critical. It allows you to name guardians, set up trusts - take control of your child&#039;s future after you are gone.\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/10\/23\/writing-a-will-with-children\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The S.A. 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You should update regularly). A valid Will requires compliance with the Wills Act,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/category\/general\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Napkin-Will.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Napkin-Will.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Napkin-Will.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Napkin-Will.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2242,"url":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/09\/11\/mirror-will\/","url_meta":{"origin":2517,"position":4},"title":"Mirror Will &#8211; What Is It? When Should I Use It? Is It Right for Me?","author":"Tim Hewson","date":"11 September 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Originally published: 26 February 2018 \u00a0|\u00a0 Last updated: 11 September 2025 TL;DR: A mirror Will is a pair of nearly identical Wills created by two people. Typically spouses. Where each leaves their estate to the other, with the same alternate beneficiaries. Mirror Wills are not jointly binding and either party\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Wills&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Wills","link":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/category\/wills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Mirror Will","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Mirror-WillCanada.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Mirror-WillCanada.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Mirror-WillCanada.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Mirror-WillCanada.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Mirror-WillCanada.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Mirror-WillCanada.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1666,"url":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/2025\/05\/25\/wills-for-blended-families-and-stepfamilies\/","url_meta":{"origin":2517,"position":5},"title":"Last Will and Testament: Wills for Blended Families and Stepfamilies","author":"Tim Hewson","date":"25 May 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Originally published: 6 November 2015 \u00a0|\u00a0 Last updated: 25 May 2025 TL;DR: Blended families face unique estate planning challenges in South Africa. Without a proper Will, stepchildren inherit nothing under the Intestate Succession Act\u2014only biological and legally adopted children have automatic inheritance rights. A well-drafted Will can protect all family\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Wills&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Wills","link":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/category\/wills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Wills for Blended families","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Brady_Bunch_full_cast_1973.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Brady_Bunch_full_cast_1973.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Brady_Bunch_full_cast_1973.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Brady_Bunch_full_cast_1973.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf2wKL-EB","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2517"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2517\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4169,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2517\/revisions\/4169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalwills.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}