2025 Free Downloadable Guide to the Deceased Estate Process
The process of administering a deceased estate can be confusing for many, especially if you’re unfamiliar with your country’s legal procedures. However, it doesn’t have to be; we’re here to walk you through the process and provide expert legal assistance where necessary.
Introducing Our Ultimate Deceased Estate Process Guide
Our free downloadable guide will walk you through the critical steps involved in the deceased estate process.
You’ll learn what to expect, the documents you need to gather, how to handle the will, deal with beneficiaries, pay any taxes owed, and ultimately distribute the estate assets. In a nutshell, this guide provides an easy-to-follow roadmap to confidently honour the deceased’s final wishes.
Claim Your FREE Guide!
Understanding the Deceased Estate Administration Process in South Africa
Dealing with the legalities of estate administration in this moment of grief can be difficult. While it may seem daunting, understanding the basics behind the process can help make things easier.
The first step is determining whether the deceased had a last will. If so, the will outlines their final wishes and designates the executor to carry them out. If there’s no will, the estate goes through intestate administration, meaning the laws of succession decide who inherits what.
Key Terminologies
Let’s quickly run through some key terms you’ll come across in an estate administration process:
Executor
An executor is appointed to represent a deceased estate and is normally nominated by the deceased in the Will and appointed by the Master of the High Court to undertake his/her duties.
Beneficiary
Beneficiaries are individuals or entities that stand to inherit or receive assets from the deceased estate as outlined in the deceased’s will. The executor is responsible for managing the distribution of these assets to the beneficiaries according to the instructions in the will.
The Importance of a Will
A will makes the entire deceased estate administration process significantly more straightforward. Without one, the Master of the Hight Court must determine how to divide the estate, which can lead to family disputes and delays, extending the estate administration timeline.
A will also allows the deceased to name a guardian for any minor children and an executor they trust.
The administration process involves notifying relevant parties, submitting documents to the Master of the High Court, paying off debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Though it requires time and patience on your end as an executor, you can take comfort in knowing you’re fulfilling the deceased’s final wishes and providing closure for their loved ones. With understanding and preparation, you’ll navigate this difficult time with compassion.
Navigating the Steps and Requirements of Winding Up an Estate
To properly administer a deceased estate in South Africa, it’s important to follow the steps outlined in the Administration of Deceased Estates Act 66 of 1965. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved in the deceased estate administration process:
-
The first step is to report the estate to the Master of the High Court. This is a crucial requirement to initiate the administration process.
-
After reporting the estate, a notice must be published in the Gazette and a newspaper circulating in the district where the deceased lived. This notification informs interested parties about the estate and its administration.
-
Once the initial procedures are complete, the executor’s role begins. One of the primary responsibilities is to address any unpaid bills, taxes, loans, or other financial commitments on behalf of the deceased.
It’s crucial to cancel automatic bill payments or subscriptions and close accounts with banks, insurance providers, and utility companies. The executor is tasked with setting up an estate late bank account, compiling and advertising a liquidation and distribution account as well as the payment of inheritance tax.
-
The executor must distribute the deceased’s assets, such as real estate, vehicles, investments, cash, and specific bequests, to the designated beneficiaries as stated in the will. Valuations should be obtained, and legal transfers of ownership must be handled appropriately. In some cases, assets may need to be sold to facilitate the distribution.
-
There are additional tasks that need to be addressed, including applying for a letter of executorship to establish legal authority as the executor, advertising for creditors, and filing final tax returns.
It’s essential to keep the estate open for a specific period in case other creditors or claimants come forward.
While winding up an estate can be complicated, this guide aims to help demystify the key steps and requirements so you can feel more at ease during this difficult time. With patience and persistence, you’ll get through the process. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact the legal professionals at Benaters for guidance. We can help ensure everything is handled appropriately according to the law.
Download Our Free Guide to Streamline the Deceased Estate Process
Navigating a deceased estate can feel overwhelming. There are many moving parts — contacting relevant organisations, locating important documents and assets, and ensuring the estate is distributed according to the will.
We’ve created a free downloadable guide to help make the process easier to understand. This resource outlines the key steps to administer a deceased estate in a simple, straightforward way.
Our guide provides more details for each step, including helpful tips and advice based on years of experience assisting families during times of grief. Allow us to help you gain clarity and confidence in the deceased estate process.
We hope this high-level overview and free resource will help demystify how the deceased estate process in South Africa works. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions. We’re here to help in any way we can.
-
Report the deceased estate to the Master of the High Court.
Provide notice of the deceased's death.
Take control of the assets, which may involve having the assets valued by a sworn appraiser, and start paying all the debts of the estate.
Open an estate bank account.
Prepare the estate's Liquidation and Distribution Account.
Submit the final tax returns to SARS, paying all Inheritance Tax (like Capital Gains Tax and other taxes, if applicable).
Advertise the Liquidation and Distribution Account.
Distribute the assets.
Transfer property to the heirs.
Sign off and close the process, which includes closing the estate bank account and obtaining the final discharge from the Master of the High Court.
Claim Your FREE Guide!
Memberships + Affiliations
Our Legal Team
At Benaters, our legal team comprises a husband and wife duo who bring a unique blend of expertise and strong family values to our practice.
With a deep understanding of the importance of family and personal relationships, we approach each case with care, empathy, and integrity. We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust and mutual respect.
Shaun Benater
Partner — LL.B LL.M
Attorney & Notary Public (South Africa)
Solicitor (England & Wales)
Registered European Lawyer (Spain)
Roxanne Benater
Partner — B.COM LL.B
Attorney, Notary Public & Conveyancer
Administrator Of Deceased Estates
Follow Us
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A deceased estate refers to the assets and liabilities left behind by a person who has passed away. In South Africa, the process begins with reporting the death and opening the estate with the Master of the High Court.
An executor is appointed to handle the administration of the estate. The executor compiles an inventory and valuation of the assets and settles any outstanding debts and taxes.
Once debts are settled, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries according to the deceased’s will or the laws of intestate succession in the absence of a will.
Finally, the executor submits a final account, and upon approval, the estate is considered finalised. It’s essential to consult with a legal professional for personalised guidance as the process can be complex and may vary depending on the circumstances.
-
The time it takes to complete a deceased estate process in South Africa can vary and typically ranges from several months to several years.
Factors such as the size and complexity of the estate, the presence of a valid will, cooperation from beneficiaries and creditors, potential disputes, and the efficiency of the executor and the Master of the High Court can influence the duration.
Consulting with a qualified estate attorney or executor will provide a more accurate estimate based on the case’s specific circumstances. Get expert legal assistance today by filling out this contact form.
How Can We Help with Your Legal Needs?
At Benaters we’re always pleased to hear from you. Let us know how we can help by selecting the enquiry form, or get in touch via Whatsapp.