A practical range for different stages of wealth
Not every family needs the same kind of planning. Some clients come to us with a growing business and a few key assets to organise. Others already have investments, property, family trusts and children from different households that all need to be considered together. Our wealth plans help you match the right level of planning to your situation, without overcomplicating the process.
Based in Stellenbosch, we work with clients across Cape Town, Paarl, Johannesburg, Durban and through video consultations nationwide. If you are setting up your first estate plan or reviewing an existing structure after a life event, we can guide you through what matters now and what can wait. The aim is steady decision-making, not pressure.
- Estate Planning for wills, ownership and succession
- Trust Structuring for family assets and control
- Retirement Income Planning for later-life cash flow
- Legacy Workshops for family conversations and clarity
How to choose the right plan for your family
The right wealth plan starts with a simple question: what do you want to happen when you are no longer here, or when you step back from active control? Some clients need a clean will review and beneficiary check. Others need more detailed work, including trust structures, liquidity analysis and family meetings. We look at the full picture before recommending next steps.
We also take practical issues into account, like asset location, business ownership, dependants, blended familys and whether there is enough liquidity to cover costs, taxes and any immediate needs. In South Africa, that detail matters. A plan that works on paper but fails when money has to move quickly can create stress at the worst possible time.
- Use Will Coordination if your current will has not been reviewed in years
- Choose Trust Structuring where control, continuity and protection matter
- Consider Beneficiary Reviews after marriage, divorce, birth or death
- Add Asset Mapping if you own property, shares, business interests or offshore holdings
What each wealth plan is built to do
Every plan is designed to answer a specific need, while still fitting into the wider legacy picture. Some are focused on immediate structure, others on preparing the next generation. We can work through one service at a time or build a broader plan that combines several parts. That depends on how complex your affairs are and how much family involvement is needed.
For business owners, succession often starts with ownership, but it also includes leadership, cash flow and who steps in if something happens suddenly. For families, the focus may be on preserving capital, reducing delays and making sure each person understands the plan. We keep the discussion grounded and practical, with enough detail to make good decisions but not so much that it becomes overwhelming.
- Succession Facilitation for ownership and leadership transitions
- Family Meetings for clear communication across generations
- Trustee Briefings for people carrying formal responsibility
- Plan Reviews when your circumstances change over time
Why liquidity and timing matter in South African estates
Many estate problems are not caused by a lack of assets, but by a lack of accessible cash. If there are transfer costs, tax exposure, business debts or monthly obligations, the estate can come under pressure quickly. That is why Liquidity Analysis sits at the centre of many of our wealth plans. It helps identify whether there will be enough money available when it is needed.
We also consider practical timing. Bank accounts can be frozen, municipal accounts still need to be settled and property transfers do not happen overnight. If you are relying on one asset to fund several obligations, that needs to be mapped out in advance. Good planning makes the process clearer for the family and reduces avoidable delays.
Legacy workshops for calmer conversations
Some clients know what they want to do, but they need help bringing the family into the conversation. Our Legacy Workshops are designed for that. They give families a structured space to talk about ownership, intention, responsibilities and expectations. The tone is calm and respectful, which helps when there are different views in the room.
These sessions are useful for entrepreneurs, couples, blended families and multi-generational households. They can also help adult children understand why certain decisions were made, which often reduces conflict later. For many clients, this is the point where planning becomes more than paperwork and starts becoming part of the familys long-term culture.
- Useful before updating wills or trust documents
- Helps families understand the purpose behind each structure
- Supports smoother handover between generations
- Can be combined with retirement income planning
Working with a team that knows the detail
Our team includes advisers focused on estate planning, trust structures, retirement income and client service, with leadership from Managing Director Lukhanyo van der Merwe. That means your wealth plan is not handled as a general conversation only. It is assessed from the legal, financial and family angles that matter in practice.
If you are based in Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Claremont, Cape Town, Paarl, Johannesburg or Durban, you can choose the advice format that suits you. Some clients prefer in-person meetings, others prefer video consultations. Either way, the process is built around clear notes, careful checks and steady follow-through.
When you are ready to look at your options, the listing cards below will help you find the right starting point for your situation.