Free Legal Advice - Do You Qualify?

A backlog of cases which still need to be tried in court, are a constant headache for criminal justice system, the victims and as well as the accused. The lawyers who work for the State often have so much work to do that, giving their undivided attention to each case is something of an ideal. But it is not just them who feel the frustration of the criminal justice system being as it is. It is also the people awaiting trial or those who need legal advice in South Africa. Luckily legal advice can now be gotten for free if one has access to the internet. And for those who do not have access at their homes, there are always internet access points at public establishments such as libraries.

Once online, one simply has to do a quick search by entering keywords such as, 'legal questions' or 'legal advice South Africa' and you will have a wealth of information as where best to go to receive the help you need, for free There are many websites from different legal institutions and government associations. Each offering you legal tip and advice as well as opportunities for you to direct your questions directly to a lawyer. They will also advice you on which procedures to follow and who to contact. This in itself saves you from being redirected to a hundred incorrect people and departments. And because the legal advice is free you can even get advice from more than one institution. By doing this you can get a clearer idea and you can also cross-reference to see whether you were given the proper legal advice in South Africa.

Submit your questions

You will see that on many of these legal websites you have the option of submitting your questions to a lawyer. You simply need to state your case and add your contact details. A lawyer will then go over your question and respond to you in writing. This is the easiest and quickest way for you to obtain advice.

Another way is by calling the Legal Aid hotline. They offer the service of providing you will advice over the line. This would be the best option if you prefer to speak to someone in person, especially if you feel your situation is an emergency. This service is provided for people who fall into a certain income bracket. Mostly people who earn under five thousand rands a month.

Sourcing Probate Legal Advice

The estate is the assets of the deceased, including any cash held in the deceased's bank and building society, money that is to be paid from a life insurance policy, real property, personal possessions and any shares that might have been held prior to death. Any debts accrued must be paid out of the estate. It is the balance that is shared out among those named in the will, or if no will was made, to the spouse, partner, children or relatives of the deceased under what are known as the intestacy rules..

The estate has to be administered and then shared out. This is done by someone who is known as the executor. The will normally nominates an executor or executors - and probate solicitors are often chosen to perform this task. Anyone who has been named as the executor will have to be given the legal authority to deal with the estate. This is known as probate.

Dealing with probate and sharing out the will can be a lengthy process. This could pose a problem for someone not used to dealing with legal and financial matters, or who has little time to spare. However there is good probate legal advice available for those who need it from specialist probate solicitors.

Probate legal advice will, of course, have to be paid for. It is possible to check what the fees for the service are when first enquiring with probate solicitors. If a solicitor has already been named as executor of the deceased's estate then he or she will be able to deal with probate.

The assistance of specialist probate solicitors is particularly advisable if the terms of the will are not clear, any of the estate is in trust and anyone under the age of 18 is named as a beneficiary - and above all, if there is any suggestion that the will is going to be contested. Other reasons why specialist probate legal advice is particularly recommended include is if the deceased owned land or property overseas or owned a business - or if the probate is likely to be unusual or particularly complex some reason.

In order to secure probate legal advice contact it is advisable to contact specialist probate solicitors - either locally or online. Probate solicitors can also be identified by visiting the Law Society website.