Everything You Need to Know
About Being an Executor
Whether you have been named as executor in someone's will, or you are planning who should handle your own estate — this guide gives you the knowledge to do it right.
What is an Executor?
Understand the full legal role and responsibilities of an executor in South Africa. Who can be appointed, and what powers do they have?
The Administration Process
A step-by-step walkthrough of the estate administration process — from death to final distribution to beneficiaries.
The Master of the High Court
How to apply for Letters of Authority or Letters of Executorship. What documents you need, how long it takes, and what to do if there are complications.
Debts, Assets & Distribution
How to identify and value estate assets, deal with creditors, pay debts, and distribute what remains to beneficiaries — correctly and legally.
Intestate Succession
What happens when someone dies without a will? How the Intestate Succession Act divides the estate — and why it may not match what the family expected.
Protecting Yourself & Beneficiaries
How to avoid personal liability as an executor. How to manage family conflict, minor beneficiaries, and contested estates professionally.
What's Inside — 23 Pages
A practical, plain-English guide structured around the real steps you face when administering an estate in South Africa.
Understanding the Role of the Executor
Legal definition, duties, powers, responsibilities and limitations under the Administration of Estates Act.
The First 48 Hours After a Death
Immediate steps: securing assets, notifying institutions, obtaining the death certificate, and reporting to the Master.
Letters of Authority vs Letters of Executorship
What each one is, when each applies, how to apply, and what to do while you wait for approval.
Dealing with the Master of the High Court
Office locations, required documents, the liquidation and distribution account process, and common delays explained.
Identifying and Valuing Estate Assets
Property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement funds, life policies and business interests.
Paying Estate Debts and Expenses
Order of payment, creditor notification, executor fees (3.5%), funeral costs, tax obligations to SARS.
Estate Duty and Tax
Estate duty (20% above R3.5M), income tax up to date of death, CGT, and how to get a tax clearance from SARS.
Distributing to Beneficiaries
Final liquidation and distribution account, transferring property, handling minor beneficiaries, and closing the estate.
Intestate Succession — When There is No Will
The Intestate Succession Act explained step by step. Who inherits, in what proportions, and what this means for surviving spouses and children.
Protecting Yourself as Executor
Personal liability, dispute resolution, handling difficult beneficiaries, and when to seek professional help.
Executor Checklist & Reference Guide
A complete step-by-step checklist, contact details for all Master of the High Court offices, and key SA legislation references.
Your Questions Answered
Get Your Copy Today
Don't wait until you are in the middle of an estate administration crisis. Know what you are doing before you need to. R189 — once off, yours forever.