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Deceased Estate Administration

Deceased Estate Administration & Planning

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. What often makes it harder is being left to navigate a slow, impersonal system at a time when clarity and care matter most.

At Executor Law, we provide specialist estate administration through a structured, team-based approach – combining technical expertise with genuine human support. Our focus is on ensuring that every estate is managed efficiently, while your family is guided with compassion, dignity and clear communication throughout.

Many people unknowingly appoint large financial institutions as executors in their wills, which can result in delays, outsourced expertise and impersonal processes. As the testator, you can choose an executor who will prioritise responsiveness, continuity and care, not treat your estate as a file in a queue.

We ensure that each estate is handled with integrity, attention and momentum. Behind every matter is a coordinated team with senior oversight, so that your family benefits from both depth of expertise and consistent support at every stage.

Our expertise includes:

  • Executor appointments and reporting to the Master of the High Court
  • Liquidation and distribution accounts
  • SARS compliance and estate duty
  • Notices, advertisements and legal endorsements
  • Property transfers and conveyancing
  • Testamentary trust structuring and advice
  • Administration of estates with or without a valid will
  • Heir mediation, estate arbitration and dispute resolution

We have administered deceased estates, resealed foreign grants of probate, and advised on complex cross-border estate and succession matters involving clients, beneficiaries and assets in, among others: 

  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • Channel Islands (primarily Guernsey)
  • Switzerland
  • United States of America
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Germany
  • The Netherlands
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Greece
  • Mauritius
  • China
  • Brazil
  • Russia
  • Botswana
  • Zambia
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
  • Croatia

Choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions in estate planning. With Executor Law, your family will be supported by a dedicated team ensuring a direct, responsive and personal experience throughout the process.

If you need assistance with a deceased estate in Johannesburg, we manage the full process, from letters of executorship through to asset distribution and tax compliance, with clarity, care and consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my estate?

Your estate consists of all your assets (property, cash, shares, investments, motor vehicles etc.) and all your liabilities (debt).

 

How long will it take to finalise my estate?

This question does not have an actual answer but rather a guide to the time frame. On average it will take 7 to 18 months to finalise the estate however, there are exceptions.

 

Will I pay death taxes?

The correct term for this is estate duty. Estate duty is only levied on estates valued at R 3 500 000 and more. There are also exceptions to paying estate duty. Our estate administrators can discuss this with you or your family in detail

What is the executor's fee?

Executor’s fees are given in terms of the administration of deceased estates act. Currently the fee is 3.5% on the gross value of the estate. This is the fee the executor charge to wind up the estate of a deceased person.

Are executor's fee negotiable?

When an executor is needed, the family may discuss this with the appointed executor directly. Executor’s fees are negotiable at his / her discretion however, the law does provide for the executor to charge the 3.5% of the estate value.

What happens if there is no cash in an estate and only a car and house?

When this happens then there is a cash shortfall in the estate. This does not mean the estate is insolvent. What the executor will request from the heir is to either pay in the cash shortfall or request permission to sell the asset/s to obtain the cash in the estate.

Connect with a specialist

Please complete the form below if you have any questions or require assistance. Alternatively, you may call us on +27 (0) 79 394 2574 or email us at info@executorlaw.co.za

    info@executorlaw.co.za · Mon – Fri 08:30am-4:30pm

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