Deceased Estates: Reporting deceased estate

Understanding the Administration of Estates in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

This course provides essential knowledge for correctly and efficiently administering deceased estates, whether dealing with testate estates (estates with a valid will) or intestate estates (estates without a will). Learn the crucial steps involved in the process, ensuring timely and compliant handling of assets.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for individuals who will be assisting clients with the estate administration process at the time of death. This includes professionals in legal fields, financial advisors, and anyone seeking to understand the legal requirements of handling a deceased person's affairs.

The Estate Administration Process

The administration process is broadly similar for both types of estates. Upon a person's passing, their assets become the deceased estate and must be administered according to the Administration of Estates Act no 66 of 1965.

Streamlining the Process: Letters of Executorship

For estates with assets valued under R250,000, obtaining Letters of Executorship or Letters of Authority (Section 18(3) estate) requires meticulous attention to detail. This course emphasizes the importance of submitting accurate information and documentation to the Master of the High Court to avoid unnecessary delays.

Topics Covered:

• Correct Completion of Reporting Documentation: Master's Directions, Inventory, etc.
• Required Documentation:
  • Marriage Certificate
  • ID of Deceased
  • Death Certificate
  • ID of Executor
  • Letter to Master
• Templates Provided:
  • Death Notice
  • Master’s Directions (estates under R250,000)
  • Acceptance of Executor (estates over R250,000)
  • Inventory
  • Next of Kin Affidavit (intestate estates)
  • Nomination (intestate estates or alternative Executor)
  • Letter to Master of the High Court

Course Inclusions:

• Video-presented course content
• Downloadable course materials
• Certificate of training
• Optional assessment
• 3 CPD points

About the Presenter: Lize Muller

Lize Muller is an experienced professional specializing in Administration of Deceased Estates since 2001. She holds an AIPSA Diploma in Insolvency Law and a certificate in Administration of Deceased’s Estates from the Continuing Legal Education and the Law Society of South Africa. Lize is dedicated to sharing her extensive knowledge with those entering this field.

Key Achievements:

• Over 220 appointments as Executor in both Testate and Intestate Estates
• Advisory role to other Executors on estate administrative requirements
• Experience with complex estates, including High Court litigation related to heir and beneficiary disputes.
• Successful management of estates involving PIE Applications.
• Experience with International Estates (UK, Germany, Scotland, Spain)
• Drafting over 2300 Wills and International Wills
• Nominated by First National Bank and other third parties as Executor
• Referral Estates from various Attorneys
• Assisting/Acting as Administrator for various Firms of Attorneys