Deceased Estate Process

Contact the appropriate authorities based on the circumstances:

•For natural causes: Contact the deceased's doctor to certify the death

•For unnatural deaths: Contact the police immediately

•Locate the will if one exists

•Check for funeral policies and life insurance

•Notify relevant parties including the executor and financial advisers

Gather essential documents:

•Death certificate (obtain from Home Affairs)

•Deceased's ID document

•Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Notify the following parties:

•The executor named in the will

•Financial planner or adviser

•Deceased's employer (if applicable)

•Retirement fund administrators

•Contact funeral homes and make arrangements

•Collect all documentation before meeting with the executor

The formal estate administration process involves:

•Establishing the exact date of death

Lodging the required documents with the Master's Office:

•Death Notice (J294)

•Inventory (J243)

•Next of Kin Affidavit (J192)

•Acceptance of Trust (J190)

•Will (if applicable)

•Obtaining the Letter of Executorship from the Master

•Valuing all assets through a sworn appraiser

•This includes motor vehicles, furniture, houses, and all movable property

The executor must draft the Liquidation and Distribution Account which includes:

•List of all assets and their values

•List of all liabilities and debts

Calculation of estate duty:

•20% for estates valued under R30 million

•25% for estates valued above R30 million

Executor fees:

•3.5% of gross asset value plus VAT

•6% collection commission on income received after death (e.g., rentals, dividends)

Average estates take 6-13 months to finalise:

•Executor appointment: 6-10 weeks

•Asset collection and valuation: 4-8 weeks

•Drafting L&D Account: 4-6 weeks

•Lying for inspection: 3 weeks minimum

•Distribution and finalisation: 4-8 weeks

•Note: Complex estates may take significantly longer

Ensure you have the following documents ready:

•Original will (and any codicils)

•Death certificate

•Marriage certificate or divorce decree

•Antenuptial contract (if applicable)

•Property title deeds

•Vehicle registration documents

•Bank statements and financial records

•Life insurance policy documents

•Retirement fund documentation

•Contact details for all heirs