Deceased Estate Administration

Deceased Estate

A deceased estate comes into existence when a person passes away, and deceased estate administration is the process of winding up the affairs of such deceased person.

Unfortunately, in the event of death, life continues and the world does not afford us the pleasure to complete a timeous grieving and mourning process. Although we may not want to deal with mundane administrative matters at such times, our law requires that a deceased estate be reported to the Master of the High Court within six weeks of date of death.

If the deceased person left a will, the estate’s assets must be disposed of in terms of such will. If no will has been left, the assets must be disposed of in terms of the provisions of Intestate Succession Act.

We accept appointments as Executors, and also as agents to relatives or others that may be nominated as Executors by the deceased.

Executor’s remuneration is determined by tariff in accordance with the Administration of Estates Act, and it is currently calculated at an amount equal to 3,5% of the gross value of the assets at the date of death, together with an amount equal to 6% of the revenue or income collected after date of death to date of distribution.

When we assist you with this we need:

  • Original Last Will and Testament, if applicable
  • Original Death Certificate
  • Original Identity document and passport
  • Original Marriage Certificate (or certificate of registration of customary marriage), if applicable
  • Original Antenuptial Contract, if applicable
  • Former spouse(s) details, if divorced:
    • full names and contact details
    • copy of divorce order
    • copy of divorce agreement
  • Predeceased spouse(s) details, if applicable
    • full names
    • copy of death certificate
    • Master’s office where estate was reported
  • Full names of the deceased’s parents
  • Details of the deceased’s children (including deceased children), including their marital status.

Estate Administration

Fixed Propperty

Fixed Properties: 

  • original title deeds or safe custody receipts
  • most recent home loan statements
  • current lease agreements
  • rates and/or levy statements
  • details of any credit life cover
  • capital gains tax valuations
  • proof of insurance
  • Moveable Assets / Motor Vehicles:
    • registration certificates
    • a recent statement in respect of any finance
    • proof of insurance
  • Recent bank statements and ATM cards for all accounts
  • Recent credit card account statements (including the card itself)
  • Original policy documents in respect of any life assurance, endowments and/or annuities
  • Original firearm licenses and details of all ammunition held, if applicable
  • Details of all funeral expenses
  • All medical accounts
  • Credit agreements and recent statements
  • Recent retail store account statements
  • Recent loan account statements
  • Cellular account statements
  • Telkom account
  • Electricity account and water Account
  • Income tax reference number

Moveable Assets