Deceased Estates
The death of a loved one is emotionally difficult as it is – even without the stress of winding up a deceased estate. The legal and financial consequences of handling this tedious task is often made more challenging by family drama, bolshy creditors, and flustered relatives.
Administration of a deceased estate ensures that ownership of the movable and immovable assets of the deceased at the time of their death is transferred from the deceased Estate to the beneficiaries named in the deceased’s last Will and Testament.
Deceased Estates Act
The processes of winding up an estate in accordance with the deceased’s wishes must be done in compliance with the Administration of Deceased Estates Act 66 of 1965. Because this demands a large amount of detailed administrative work, hiring an attorney makes the weight of the responsibility easier for you to bear. Leave it to our knowledgeable team so that you have the space to mourn.
Deceased Estates Administrative Process
The steps involved in winding up a deceasced estate include:
- Report the deceased estate to the Master of the High Court.
- Submit relevant documentation to apply for Letters of Executorship from the Master of the High Court.
- Upon issue of the Letters of Executorship, take control of the assets belonging to the deceased estate.
- Advertise in local newspapers and the Government Gazette for creditors making a claim on a deceased estate (South Africa) to do so within 30 days.
- Draw up a Liquidation / Distribution Account (deceased estate) for approval by the Master’s Office.
- Chase up the Master’s Office for permission to distribute in terms of the liquidation and distribution account.
- Duties of the Executor are relieved once administration of the deceased’s estate has been legally and properly finalised.
Deceased Estates with Blake Attorneys
Should you need advice, management, or administrative assistance related to winding up a deceased estate, contact Blake Attorneys now.