Practice area
Administration of Deceased Estates
Winding up an estate, handled with care.
When a person dies, their estate has to be wound up: reported to the Master of the High Court, an executor appointed, debts and taxes settled, and whatever remains transferred to the heirs. It is an exacting, deadline-driven process, and it arrives at the worst possible time for a family. We take it onto our own desk so you do not have to carry it alone.
Estates are administered under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, and the path is largely set: the death is reported to the Master within 14 days, Letters of Executorship are issued, an estate bank account is opened, creditors are advertised, and a liquidation and distribution account is drawn and lodged for public inspection before the heirs are paid and any property is transferred. Delays and missteps along the way cost the estate money and the family time.
We also handle the smaller estates that fall under the Master's section 18(3) route, where Letters of Authority take the place of a full executorship, and we work hand in hand with our wills and estate planning practice so an estate we wind up reflects the plan that was put in place.
When someone dies, the paperwork does not pause for grief. We take the winding up onto our own desk, deal with the Master, settle what has to be settled, and see that what is left reaches the people it was meant for.
How we can help
- Reporting the estate to the Master of the High Court
- Executor appointments and Letters of Executorship
- Smaller estates under section 18(3), with Letters of Authority
- Estate bank accounts and creditor advertisements
- Liquidation and distribution accounts
- Estate duty and the estate's tax affairs
- Transfer of fixed property and other assets to the heirs
Whether you are an executor who needs a steady hand or a family who would rather hand the whole thing over, we keep the process moving and keep you informed at every step.
Common questions
It depends on the size and complexity of the estate, but most take between six months and two years. The Master of the High Court sets the pace at several points, and a clear, valid will usually makes the whole process faster and easier on the family.
The death is reported to the Master of the High Court, generally within 14 days, together with the original will if there is one and a list of the assets and liabilities. We can take this over from the outset and deal with the Master on behalf of the family.
No. A named executor can hand the day-to-day administration to us under a power of attorney, so the work is done by people who do it every day. Where no executor has been named, we assist with the appointment and then carry the estate through to distribution.