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AFTER THE FUNERAL – ESTATE ADMINISTRATION STEPS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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STEP 1 – LOCATE THE LATEST WILL

The Will states how assets must be distributed.
It names the appointed Executor.
If No Will Exists, The Estate Follows The Intestate Succession Act.

TRIOS Tip – Create an Estate Folder

Death certificates
ID copies
Bank statements
Policy documents
Master’s correspondence

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

If the estate exceeds R250 000, a formal Letter of Executorship is required
and an Attorney / Legal Entity should handle and settle the estate
If immovable property (a house or land) is registered in the deceased’s name,
a conveyancer / attorney is required for legal transfer and compliance —
regardless of estate size.

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

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

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.