Deceased Estate

A deceased estate comprises of all assets and liabilities which a deceased person leaves behind. The administration of an estate is a process through which a deceased person’s debts are paid or settled and the balance of the estate is awarded and transferred to his beneficiaries. This process takes place under the provisions of the law and under the supervision of the Master of High Court.

Interview / consultation:

This is the most important step in the administration process as it relates the first interview with the relatives / heirs to obtain key information and to have the interested parties sign reporting documents.

Executor and Administrator responsibilities:

  • Collecting all assets & liabilities of the deceased
  • Settling all liabilities in the estate
  • Transferring the net estate (after all liabilities have been paid), to the rightful heirs subject to the master’s approval

Documents required in this interview / consultation:

  • Copy of the death certificate
  • Original marriage certificate
  • Original will
  • Identity Documents (deceased, spouse(s), children)
  • Birth Certificates
  • List of assets and liabilities
  • Registration Papers / proof of ownership in case of assets
  • Municipal Account Statement

Reporting the estate:

The estate should be reported to the Master of the High Court as soon as possible from date of death of the deceased. A number of reporting documents have to be lodged with the Master of the High Court as part of the process to report the estate.