Pre-conditions for registering (reporting) a deceased estate

Where a person has died, and left either a will or property, such estate must then be administered within the deceased Estates process. This applies to:

• any person who dies within South Africa, and leaves either property or a will (or a document intended as a will).
• a person who dies outside South Africa, but has South African based property, or a South African will or document intended as a will.

Where, when and by who must estates be reported?

• The Estate is to be reported to the Master of the High Court in whose area of jurisdiction the deceased was living 12 months prior to his/her death, or if the person was not resident in SA, any Master’s office is acceptable.
• The Estate is to be reported to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of date of death, by the person who has the deceased’s will or control of any property of the deceased.