Administration of deceased estates and wills in South Africa

The death of a family member sets off a legal process that has to run whether or not the family is ready for it. An estate must be reported to the Master of the High Court, an executor appointed, creditors notified, assets realised and an account approved before anything can be distributed.

We guide families, beneficiaries and appointed executors through that process, and we draft the wills that make it as simple as it can be.

Reporting and liquidation

Reporting deceased estates — preparing and submitting the required documentation to the relevant Master of the High Court office to report the estate formally and obtain letters of executorship.

Liquidation of estates (testate and intestate) — managing the full process of liquidating and distributing assets, whether the deceased left a valid will or died intestate, in accordance with the applicable law of succession.

Estate management and accounting

Executing executor’s duties — we can be appointed as executor of the estate, taking responsibility for administering the affairs, paying creditors, collecting debts and transferring assets to the heirs.

Agent to the appointed executor — alternatively, we act as advisers and agents to an executor appointed by the family, supporting them so that the duties are discharged correctly.

Advertisement of deceased estates — placing the statutory advertisements in the Government Gazette and local newspapers as required by section 29 of the Administration of Estates Act, giving creditors notice to lodge claims.

Drafting liquidation and distribution accounts — preparing the liquidation and distribution (L&D) account for submission to the Master for examination and approval, detailing how every asset and liability is dealt with.

Wills and estate planning

Drafting testamentary wills — professionally drafting and reviewing wills so that the testator’s wishes are legally sound, clearly expressed and as difficult to dispute as possible.

Interpretation of wills — assisting executors and beneficiaries with the legal interpretation of complex or ambiguous clauses in a will.

Why choose us for estate administration

Administering an estate is intricate and, done badly, is slow and expensive. Our role is to take the procedural burden off the family, keep the file compliant with the Master’s requirements, and explain each stage in plain language during a difficult time.