Deceased Estate Administration

Documentation

The following documents and papers need to be submitted to the Master of the High Court as soon as possible to expedite the appointment of the executor:

• Identity documents
• Death certificate
• Death notice
• Acceptance of executorship
• Inventory
• Last will and testament
• Next of kin affidavit if the deceased had no will

The following documents are required by the appointed executor to start the process of liquidating the deceased estate:

• Antenuptial contract if married out of community of property
• Divorce order and settlement agreement if applicable
• Deed of transfer - fixed property
• Registration certificates - vehicles
• Share certificates and/or receipts/statements from Central Securities
• Depository participant
• Fixed deposit receipts/statement
• Lease agreements
• Life assurance, endowment and retirement annuity contracts
• Account of regular doctor
• Last payslip or service contract
• Medical aid membership card or claim advice
• Last income tax assessment or copy of previous return
• Recent consumer accounts
  • Municipality
  • Telephone
• Unused chequebook
• Savings statements
• Credit and debit cards
• Short-term insurance schedule (fire, theft and accident cover)
• Outstanding accounts
• Any statement or correspondence relating to the financial affairs of the deceased
• Buy/sell (partnership) agreement in respect of any business interests
• Valuations for capital gains tax purposes

Executors fees:

Determined by regulation as follows:

• Executor's remuneration: 3,5% calculated on the gross value of the assets as at death.
• Income collection fee: 6% calculated on all post-death revenue.