What this involves
Dealing with an estate already? Open a file below and we will immediately show you the document checklist the Master will ask for. Starting a new will instead, or have a question first? Use the contact form further down.
Estate administration starts with reporting the death to the Master of the High Court (via a J192 death notice and inventory), who then appoints an executor by Letters of Executorship or Authority. From there we advertise for creditors, gather and value assets, settle debts and estate duty, and prepare the liquidation and distribution account for the Master's approval before distributing to heirs.
Where there is no valid will, intestate succession under the Intestate Succession Act determines who inherits and in what shares — this often surprises families, particularly around a surviving spouse's share versus children's shares, which is exactly the kind of thing a properly drafted will avoids leaving to chance.
For smaller estates (currently under R250,000 gross value) the Master can dispense with a full executor process in favour of a simplified section 18(3) procedure, which we can advise on if that applies to your situation.
How long does it take?
A will can usually be drafted and signed within 1 to 2 weeks. Deceased estate administration, from reporting to the Master through to final distribution, commonly takes 6 to 18 months depending on the estate's complexity.
What will it cost?
R3 000 to R6 000 excl. VAT
Covers: Drafting and signing a will. Estate administration follows the statutory executor tariff and is quoted separately.
Based on 2 to 4 hours of Attorney time at our rate of R1 500 per hour, excluding VAT.
This is an estimate, not a quote. The final fee depends on the facts and how complex your matter turns out to be, and your Attorney confirms it in writing before work starts. Court fees, sheriff’s fees, counsel and other disbursements are charged separately.
Ask for a firm quoteThis page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. See our Disclaimer.