Guidance and Support Through a Difficult Time

Deceased Estate Administration in Johannesburg

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the stress of navigating legal processes. Hugh Raichlin Attorneys assists families and executors with every aspect of deceased estate administration — from reporting to the Master’s Office to final distribution — ensuring the process is smooth, compliant, and handled with care.

Get Help with Estate Administration

Helping Families Manage the Legal Process After Loss

The Burden of a Complex Process

Winding up an estate is not a simple administrative task; it’s a complex legal process fraught with potential pitfalls. Errors can lead to significant delays, financial penalties from SARS, disputes among heirs, and even personal liability for the appointed executor. Our service is designed to lift this heavy burden from your shoulders.

When someone passes away, their estate must be formally wound up according to South African law. This includes notifying the Master of the High Court, identifying heirs, paying debts, and distributing assets. With over 30 years of estate experience, we handle each step with precision and compassion.

We Assist With:

Reporting the estate to the Master’s Office

Appointing executors or administrators

Preparing liquidation and distribution accounts

Managing debts, assets, and transfers

Liaising with heirs and beneficiaries

Our Deceased Estate Administration Services:

Acting as the Appointed Executor: We can be nominated in a will to act as the professional, impartial executor.

Assisting a Nominated Executor: We act as the legal agent for a family member who has been appointed, handling all the complex legal and administrative tasks on their behalf.

Step-by-Step Guidance Through the Estate Process

Navigating the Legal Requirements Step-by-Step

The process of winding up a deceased estate follows a series of prescribed legal steps:

Death Registration – Obtain death certificate and ID documents.
Reporting the Estate: We prepare and submit the death notice and all required initial documents to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the death.
Appointment of the Executor: The Master reviews the will and formally appoints the executor by issuing Letters of Executorship or Letters of Authority.
Taking Control: The executor opens an estate bank account and takes control of all assets.
Notifying Creditors: We place advertisements notifying creditors to lodge their claims against the estate.
Drafting Accounts: We draft the detailed Liquidation and Distribution (L&D) Account, which reflects all assets, liabilities, and the proposed distribution to heirs.
Master’s Office & SARS Approval: The L&D Account is submitted to the Master for approval, and we obtain a tax compliance letter from SARS.
Public Inspection: The approved account lies open for public inspection for 21 days.
Distributing to Heirs: After the inspection period, the executor pays creditors and distributes the inheritance to the beneficiaries.
Finalisation: The executor provides proof of distribution to the Master, who officially closes the estate file.

Learn About Will Drafting & Executors

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30+ Years • Accredited Expertise • Proven Results

Why Families Trust Hugh Raichlin Attorneys

For over three decades, Hugh Raichlin Attorneys has guided families through estate administration with care, precision, and professionalism. We balance compassion with efficiency, ensuring every estate is concluded with dignity.

Empathetic Approach: We understand you are going through a difficult time and handle every matter with the sensitivity your family deserves.
Efficient & Meticulous: Our experience ensures the process is managed accurately and as quickly as possible, preventing unnecessary delays with the Master’s Office and SARS.
Reduces Family Burden: We lift the complex administrative weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on grieving and supporting your family.
Expert Legal Knowledge: We are equipped to handle any legal complexities that arise, such as property transfers, business interests, or potential disputes within the estate.
Experienced Executors: Decades of experience with the Master’s Office.
Transparent Process: Regular communication with beneficiaries.
Accredited Mediators: Qualified under the Gauteng directive for estate dispute mediation.
Full-Service Support: From wills to final distribution.

Compliant • Organised • Efficient

Documents Needed to Report a Deceased Estate

To report an estate to the Master of the High Court, the following documents are required. We help families collect and prepare all documentation for immediate submission:

Original or certified Death Certificate
Original Will (if applicable)
Completed Inventory Form (J243)
Nomination of Executor Form (J190)
Declaration of Marriage or status affidavit
Copy of ID of deceased and executor

Download Our Estate Reporting Checklist →

Common Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes That Complicate the Estate Process

Delaying Reporting the Estate: The estate must be reported to the Master’s Office within 14 days of death. Delays can cause complications.
Executor Acting Without Authority: An executor can only legally act on behalf of the estate after they have been formally appointed and received their Letters of Executorship.
Incorrectly Valuing Assets: Assets must be correctly valued for the L&D account. Incorrect valuations can lead to issues with SARS and the Master.
Not Properly Advertising for Creditors: Failing to follow the legal advertising process can expose the executor to personal liability for any undiscovered debts.
Ignoring Mediation Options – The High Court directive encourages mediation before inheritance litigation.
Learn About Mandatory Mediation →

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Fair • Compassionate • Compliant

Handling Disputes Between Executors, Heirs, and Beneficiaries

Disputes can arise over wills, executorships, or asset distribution. Our attorneys help resolve these matters amicably through mediation, protecting relationships and reducing costs.

We Handle:

Will validity challenges
Executor misconduct or removal
Beneficiary entitlement disputes
Estate debt or valuation disagreements
Learn About Mediation Services →

Legal • Fiscal • Transparent

Managing Tax & Financial Compliance

Estate administration involves tax and compliance duties. We work with accountants and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to ensure full estate duty and income tax clearance before distribution.

We Oversee:

Estate Duty calculations
Income tax finalisation for the deceased
Transfer and sale of estate property
Final statements and compliance reporting
Explore Estate Duty & Tax Planning →

Attorneys with specialist expertise

Our team brings accredited skills across property, family, commercial, labour, and mediation law.

Over 30 Years Of Experience

Trusted by generations of clients since 1993.

500+ Family & Divorce Cases Resolved

Guiding families through sensitive matters with compassion and clarity.

Reported High Court & Supreme Court of Appeal Judgments

Our cases have shaped South African common law and set lasting precedents.

Clear Answers • Compassionate Guidance

Estate Administration FAQs

How long does it take to wind up an estate?

Depending on complexity and the Master’s Office workload, a simple estate can take around 6-9 months, but more complex estates, especially those with property or business interests, can take a year or longer.

What fees are charged by an executor?

An executor is entitled to a fee based on a regulated tariff, which is currently 3.5% (+VAT) of the gross value of the assets in the estate.

Do all estates have to be reported to the Master?

Yes, all deceased estates must be reported. However, if the value of the estate is less than R250,000, a simpler, expedited process can be followed.

What happens if an heir cannot be found?

The executor must take reasonable steps to locate the heir. If they cannot be found after a certain period, their inheritance is paid over to the Guardian’s Fund.

Does the executor have to pay the deceased’s debts from their own pocket?

No. The executor pays the deceased’s debts using the assets of the estate. If the estate’s liabilities exceed its assets, the estate is insolvent and must be administered accordingly.

What happens if there’s no will?

The estate is handled under intestate succession rules.

Can heirs contest an executor’s decision?

Yes. Through mediation or, if necessary, the High Court.

Is mediation required for estate disputes?

It is strongly encouraged under the High Court’s mandatory mediation directive.

Settle the Estate with Expert Legal Support

Let Us Handle the Administration, So You Can Focus on What Matters

If you have been appointed as an executor or need assistance with a loved one’s estate, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Contact our Johannesburg office for a consultation on our deceased estate administration services. During difficult times, you deserve calm, capable guidance. Let Hugh Raichlin Attorneys handle your estate administration — efficiently, lawfully, and with respect.

Book an Estate Consultation

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Contact Us

Here\’s how you can contact us for any questions or concerns.

1 The Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg 2192

011 483 1527

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reception@raichlin.co.za

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