Deceased Estate Services

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking. The task of managing their belongings and legal affairs—the Deceased Estate—can feel overwhelming. Our attorneys assist in winding up estates as quickly, cost-effectively, and efficiently as possible.

Our Specialised Services:

  • Estate planning and structuring.
  • Registration and administration of Trusts.
  • Navigating Testate (with a Will) and Intestate (without a Will) succession.
  • Appointment of Executors and Curators.
  • Reporting to the Master of the High Court.
  • Estate duties and SARS compliance.

Understanding the Administration Process

The administration of a deceased estate is the legal procedure an Executor or Representative must follow. It involves four main pillars:

  1. Reporting the estate.
  2. Collecting all property/assets.
  3. Paying all debts and taxes.
  4. Distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs.

Where and How to Report an Estate

An estate must be reported within 14 days of death to the Master of the High Court in the province where the deceased lived.

Estate ValueAppointment TypeDocument Issued
Under R250,000Master’s RepresentativeLetter of Authority
Over R250,000ExecutorLetters of Execorship


Required Reporting Documents:

  • Death Notice & Death Certificate
  • Original Will (if one exists)
  • Inventory (list of assets and debts)
  • Nomination by Heirs (if no Executor is named in a Will)
  • ID Documents (of the deceased and the applicant)
  • Marriage Certificate/Declaration (where applicable)

Do You Need an Attorney?

While it is possible to handle simple estates personally, the Master of the High Court may insist on professional legal assistance if:

  • The deceased died without a Will.
  • There are minor children involved.
  • The estate is insolvent (debts exceed assets).
  • The Will creates a Trust.

We are here to attend to your Will and put your mind at ease.

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