Wills, trusts and estate matters in Johannesburg.
Some estate matters involve planning ahead. Others begin after a death, when an executor or family needs to understand what must happen next. HRA assists with wills, trusts, estate planning and deceased-estate administration, as well as appropriate disputes about how an estate is being handled.
The initial telephone discussion is free and helps us understand whether the firm can assist. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. We aim to respond within one working day after receiving your enquiry.
Which issue brings you here?
Planning or updating a will
Preparing or updating a will that reflects your circumstances.
View serviceConsidering or administering a trust
Advice on whether a trust is suitable and how it should be administered.
View serviceDealing with a deceased estate
Support for executors, beneficiaries and the administration process.
View serviceConcerned about an executor or administration
Discuss concerns about delays, an executor's conduct or the administration of a deceased estate.
View servicePlanning and administration services
Will Drafting
Preparing or updating a will that reflects your circumstances.
Trust Formation & Administration
Advice on whether a trust is suitable and how it should be administered.
Deceased Estate Administration
Support for executors, beneficiaries and the administration process.
Estate Duty & Tax Planning
Coordinating estate planning with the tax implications of your assets.
Living Wills & Powers of Attorney
Advice on distinct documents and their limits, not a promise of enduring financial authority.
Bring the people, assets and documents into one picture
Estate work falls into three broad situations: planning while you are alive (wills, trusts and powers of attorney), administering a deceased estate after a death, and resolving a dispute about how an estate is being handled. HRA helps you identify which one applies and the documents and next step it requires.
HRA helps clients identify the information and documents relevant to their planning or administration issue. Depending on the matter, that can involve drafting a will, considering a trust, reporting an estate, liaising with executors and beneficiaries, or addressing a dispute through the appropriate process.
Jessica El-Hage's work includes estate planning, deceased estates and trust registration. Abigail Sher brings conveyancing and estate experience where property is involved. Hugh's litigation experience is relevant where an administration dispute requires court proceedings.
Planning and administration are different journeys
Plan ahead
Discuss circumstances → Prepare appropriate documents → Review as circumstances change.
After a death
Identify the estate and appointment → Establish the required information → Progress the administration.
These are orientation paths, not a complete statutory checklist. The firm will explain the requirements for your matter.
What information will help?
Existing wills or trust deeds, a broad asset and liability list, relevant family details and the main question you want answered are useful starting points. For a deceased estate, note whether it has been reported, whether an executor has been appointed and what has caused concern. Do not upload sensitive records in the general enquiry form.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid assuming every document called a will is valid, every trust provides automatic protection, or a general power of attorney solves future incapacity. Different documents have different purposes and limits; ask for advice tailored to your circumstances.
Attorney authority
Abigail Sher
Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer
Conveyancing and estate experience where property is involved.
View profileHugh Raichlin
Principal Attorney & Accredited Mediator
Litigation experience where an administration dispute requires court proceedings.
View profileShorkend N.O. and Others v Setton N.O. and Others
Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg · Reasons 8 September 2025
[2025] ZAGPJHC 912; Leave to Appeal [2026] ZAGPJHC 153
HRA acted for the successful applicants in deceased-estate litigation. The court ordered an executor's removal, the appointment of an independent senior legal practitioner and the return of specified estate assets. A subsequent application for leave to appeal was refused in February 2026.
Label: Executor removal and estate administration. These are selected matters, not a prediction of the outcome of any future case. Advice and results depend on the facts, evidence and applicable law.
Concerns about an executor require careful assessment. A disagreement alone does not establish grounds for removal.
Frequently asked questions
Can HRA review an existing will?
Do I need a trust?
What should I do if an estate is delayed?
Can you help where estate administration has become disputed?
Related practice areas
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Tell us whether you are planning, administering or questioning the handling of an estate.