{
  "id": 3711411,
  "title": "The financial and emotional toll of losing a loved one",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/the-financial-and-emotional-toll-of-losing-a-loved-one",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-27T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/2026-08-27-the-financial-and-emotional-toll-of-losing-a-loved-one/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South African families often face steep financial and emotional hurdles long after the loss of a loved one, according to new research. The study, released by Capital Legacy, reveals that over half of respondents experienced financial strain, while 60% reported emotional distress affecting their daily lives and 42% encountered family disputes. The findings are part of the Estate Readiness Index, which gives South Africans a readiness score of 50 out of 100. The index assesses personal preparedness, the impact of death on households, and the challenges families face during estate administration.\n\nThe research, based on a survey of 1,000 South Africans aged 25 to 75 who lost a loved one in the past five years, highlights the immediate financial pressures many families confront. More than half reported some form of financial pressure, with 66% experiencing a cash shortage within three months. Families often had to use their own resources or take on debt to cover unexpected expenses such as travel, household costs, outstanding debts, taxes, medical bills, and financial support for relatives.\n\nAdministrative delays often compounded these financial pressures. While many expected estate administration to take less than six months, only 28% of respondents found their experience matched this expectation. Another 28% said it took between six and 12 months, and 20% waited more than two years. The administrative workload frequently fell on relatives, with 54% of respondents responsible for handling the estate, administration, or paperwork.\n\nThis family-driven process can take a toll on relationships, leading to disagreements over money, property, inheritance, and the deceased's wishes. Deenisha Nadesan, managing director of Fiduciary Services at Capital Legacy, noted that families often lack technical expertise and need guidance, empathy, and clear communication.\n\nInterestingly, the study found that respondents' deceased loved ones were better prepared for funerals than for the administrative tasks that followed. While 74% had funeral cover, only 41% had valid wills, 40% had life insurance, and 20% had cover for legal costs. Ken Newport, Capital Legacy's national manager of succession planning, emphasized that funeral cover and estate readiness are distinct matters. The funeral is one event, whereas estate administration can span months or even years, depending on the estate's complexity and the presence of a valid will.",
  "summary": "New research reveals the financial and emotional challenges faced by South African families after the death of a loved one, highlighting the need for better estate readiness.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}