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AFTER THE FUNERAL – ESTATE ADMINISTRATION STEPS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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STEP 1 – LOCATE THE LATEST WILL
TRIOS Tip – Create an Estate Folder
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:
I Have a Will option

I HAVE THE WILL

There Is No Will option

THERE IS NO WILL

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IF YOU HAVE A VALID WILL
IF YOU HAVE A VALID WILL
  • Contact the nominated Executor.
  • Report the estate to the Master of the High Court in the jurisdiction where the
    deceased normally lived or where the death occurred.
  • To find the correct Master's Office for your area, use the official
    Department of Justice list:
    Find Your Master of the High Court Office
  • Master issues Letter of Executorship / Authority.
  • Executor may begin estate administration.
STEP 2 – REPORT THE ESTATE
  • Submit the following documents with the application:
    • Certified copy of the Death Certificate
    • Certified copy of the deceased ID
    • Certified copy of the executors ID
    • Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable))
    • Completed Asset Inventory Form (J243 / CB47 form).
  • Estates under R250 000 receive a Letter of Authority.
  • Estates above R250 000 receive a Letter of Executorship.
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION OPTIONS
  • Estates Under R250 000: A family member may be appointed under a Letter of Authority.
  • Estates Above R250 000: Formal executorship process applies.
  • All estates must comply with Master of the High Court regulations.
OPTION 1 – FAMILY HANDLES ESTATE (UNDER R250 000)
  • Lower direct professional fees.
  • Family maintains control of the process.
  • Requires time, administration skills and legal understanding.
  • Errors may cause delays or rejection by the Master.
  • Emotional strain can increase during grieving.
OPTION 2 – APPOINT A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL
  • Ensures compliance with estate law.
  • Handles SARS, creditors and documentation.
  • Reduces administrative burden on family.
  • Executor fees are regulated (up to 3.5% + VAT of gross estate value).
  • Recommended when estate is complex or property is involved.
STEP 3 – ROLE OF THE EXECUTOR
  • Secure and value all assets.
  • Open an estate bank account.
  • Advertise for creditors (30 days).
  • Pay debts, taxes and liabilities.
  • Prepare the Liquidation & Distribution Account.
STEP 4 – FINALISATION
  • Submit account to the Master for approval.
  • Account lies open for inspection.
  • Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
STEP 5 – EXPECTED TIMEFRAMES
  • Small estates: 3 – 6 months.
  • Medium estates: 9 – 18 months.
  • Complex estates: up to 2 – 3 years.
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IF THERE IS NO WILL
IF THERE IS NO WILL
  • Report the estate to the Master of the High Court in the jurisdiction where the
    deceased normally lived or where the death occurred, within 14 days.
  • To find the correct Master's Office for your area, use the official
    Department of Justice list:
    Find Your Master of the High Court Office
  • The Master will appoint an Executor (usually next of kin or a nominee).
  • Distribution follows Intestate Succession Act.
STEP 2 – REPORT THE ESTATE
  • Submit the following documents with the application:
    • Certified copy of the Death Certificate
    • Certified copy of the deceased ID
    • Certified copy of the executors ID
    • Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable))
    • Completed Asset Inventory Form (J243 / CB47 form).
  • Estates under R250 000 receive a Letter of Authority.
  • Estates above R250 000 receive a Letter of Executorship.
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION OPTIONS
  • Estates Under R250 000: A family member may be appointed under a Letter of Authority.
  • Estates Above R250 000: Formal executorship process applies.
  • All estates must comply with Master of the High Court regulations.
OPTION 1 – FAMILY HANDLES ESTATE (UNDER R250 000)
  • Lower direct professional fees.
  • Family maintains control of the process.
  • Requires time, administration skills and legal understanding.
  • Errors may cause delays or rejection by the Master.
  • Emotional strain can increase during grieving.
OPTION 2 – APPOINT A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL
  • Ensures compliance with estate law.
  • Handles SARS, creditors and documentation.
  • Reduces administrative burden on family.
  • Executor fees are regulated (up to 3.5% + VAT of gross estate).
  • Recommended when estate is complex or property is involved.
STEP 3 – ROLE OF THE EXECUTOR
  • Secure and value all assets.
  • Open an estate bank account.
  • Advertise for creditors (30 days).
  • Pay debts, taxes and liabilities.
  • Prepare the Liquidation & Distribution Account.
STEP 4 – FINALISATION
  • Submit account to the Master for approval.
  • Account lies open for inspection.
  • Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
  • Distribution then follows the Intestate Succession Act Which means:
    • Spouse inherits (or part thereof)
    • Children inherit
    • If no spouse/children → The Parents inherit
    • Then siblings inherit
    • Then extended family inherit
    • The LAW Decides — NOT The Family
STEP 5 – EXPECTED TIMEFRAMES
  • Small estates: 3 – 6 months.
  • Medium estates: 9 – 18 months.
  • Complex estates: up to 2 – 3 years.

TRIOS Guides You Through Every Legal And Emotional Step After The Funeral — With Clarity, Compliance, And Compassion.