Navigating the process of deceased estates in South Africa
The various requirements for the administration of a deceased estate are set out in the provisions of the Administration of Estates Act, 66 of 1965. In terms of the Act, when a person passes away it must be reported to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of that person’s passing. A death notice together with supporting documents including the original Will, death certificate, identity document of the deceased and documentation confirming the nominated executor in terms of the Will, are delivered to the Master’s Office. The Master will then, on acceptance of the original Will and supporting documents, issue the executor with the Letters of Executorship, authorizing the executor to act in this capacity and to liquidate and distribute the estate of the deceased.
