Resources - Videos
and learn how to protect your family, your assets, and your generational wealth.
Plan Your Legacy with Confidence!
Whether you’re just beginning to think about the future or already managing complex family wealth, these videos offer clear, practical insights to help you make informed decisions. In each video, Dr Mervin Messias shares almost 50 years of experience in estate planning, offering guidance that’s relevant, accessible, and deeply important for every South African household.
“Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to safeguard their future and their loved ones.”
– Dr Mervin Messias
Watch Dr Mervin Messias on Business Day TV’s “You and Your Money”
With almost 50 years of experience in trust law and estate planning, Dr Mervin Messias joins renowned financial expert Bryan Hirsch on “You and Your Money” to unpack one of the most misunderstood legal tools in South Africa — the Power of Attorney.
In this two-part interview, Dr Messias explains why the Enduring Power of Attorney is urgently needed in our legal system, how it impacts families, and what every South African should know to protect their future and loved ones.
Interview – Part 1: Why the Power of Attorney Is Failing South Africans
In this opening segment, Dr Messias lays the foundation for understanding how Power of Attorney works — and more importantly, where it fails.
He explains the legal limitations currently in place, what happens when a person loses mental capacity, and why so many families are left legally stranded in moments of crisis.
Interview – Part 2: The Urgent Case for an Enduring Power of Attorney
In Part 2, Dr Messias explores practical solutions — including the two different types of Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs). He shares his expert insights on why South Africa must reform this area of law, the real-life consequences of doing nothing, and what individuals and families can do now to prepare.
A must-watch for anyone planning for the future.
Honourable Awards & Accolades
BA, LLB (Wits), Juris Doctor (USA), TEP (Trust & Estate Practitioner). Admitted as an Attorney in South Africa, Solicitor in England, Wales, Australia, & New Zealand. Attorney in Lesotho. Academician of the International Academy of Estate & Trust Law.
Recipient of “The Best Lawyer in South Africa” from 2009 to 2025 for his high caliber work in Trusts and Estates.
Introduction
Dr. Mervin Messias
Trusts | Deceased Estates |
Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
BA, LLB (Wits), Juris Doctor (USA), TEP (Trust & Estate Practitioner). Admitted as an Attorney in South Africa, Solicitor in England, Wales, Australia, & New Zealand. Attorney in Lesotho. Academician of the International Academy of Estate & Trust Law.
Dr. Mervin Messias has been a practicing attorney for more than 40 years. The wealth of knowledge he has amassed across a broad range of legal disciplines has been skilfully channelled into developing a specialist Trusts, Deceased Estates, Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning business that offers tailored consulting services.
His experience and reputation as a specialist are recognised both nationally and internationally. He is renowned for his extraordinary depth of knowledge and proficiency. His career has been distinguished by his ability to navigate complex areas of law.
Dr. Mervin Messias shares his expertise through his acclaimed books, Estate Planning Trusts for Everyone, Deceased Estates- The Executor’s Challenge for Everyone and Estate Planning – The Power of Attorney for Everyone.
If you’re seeking clarity and confidence in the complex world of planning your estate, Dr. Mervin Messias’s book are essential reading. Drawing from decades of specialised experience, his published books offer invaluable insights into navigating Trusts and Deceased Estates.
Whether you are a professional advisor or someone looking to ensure your legacy is managed with care, Dr. Messias’s books provide practical knowledge that has been tried and tested in real-world applications. These are not just theoretical guides – they are the culmination of over 40 years of hands-on experience, recognised both locally and internationally for their authority and reliability.
With his expertise, you can take control of your estate planning with confidence. Invest in your future today by gaining access to the same wisdom that has been a guide.
Estate Planning
Trusts
For Everyone
Discretionary Living Trusts: A legacy for generations.
This essential guide by Trust Specialist Dr. Mervin Messias simplifies the intricacies of discretionary living trusts, a key tool in asset protection, succession planning and disability protection.
The book covers the difference between testamentary trusts and discretionary living trusts and the ability to avoid the process of winding up an estate.
It offers practical advice for the formation, amendment and termination of a discretionary living trust.
Deceased Estates
The Executor’s Challenge
For Everyone
The alternative to a Discretionary Living Trust.
Written by Dr. Mervin Messias, this step-by-step guide helps executors and the public navigate the complex process of winding up a deceased estate in South Africa.
Offering practical advice on legal compliance and managing loved ones’ expectations, this invaluable resource equips you with everything you need to efficiently handle estate administration.
This book provides invaluable practical guidance at every stage of the process.
Estate Planning
The Power of Attorney
For Everyone
A critical guide to Enduring Powers of Attorney and Living Wills for all South Africans.
As South Africa’s population ages and the complexities of care planning increase, Estate Planning – The Power of Attorney for Everyone is an essential, accessible guide to one of the most critical tools in modern estate planning. Authored by Dr. Mervin Messias – an attorney with over 40 years of experience – this book demystifies the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of Powers of Attorney (POA), especially in relation to mental capacity and continuity of care.