Estate Administration
The loss of a loved one can be emotionally draining. As such, it’s a time when professional assistance will be needed. Our experts offer years of experience and technical knowledge to help administer your estate effectively. You can rest assured knowing that your dedicated estate administration officer will be on hand to help your heirs through the estate process.
Some of the benefits
Skilled team
Our administrators are committed to serving your needs as trusted, impartial advisors
Convenience
Our large national footprint means there is always help at your nearest branch
Holistic Fiduciary Offering
A team of technical experts with vast knowledge under one roof
A helping hand
Attend to matters that count most, while our team takes care of the admin
Our support
- Access to fiduciary legal & tax resources
- Your wishes will be carried out according to instructions in your Will *
- Your family or loved ones are spared the burden of administering your estate
- Impartiality – our executors remain objective and accountable
- If you appoint a family member as an executor, we can advise and assist them
* We also offer estate administration where we haven’t been nominated as the executor, or no will exists
What to do in the event of death
- In the event of the natural death of a loved one, contact your family doctor or undertaker who will guide you on the steps to follow
- In the event of unnatural death, immediately contact the police
- Establish whether the deceased held a Will. If Standard Trust is the nominated executor of the deceased’s estate, click here to report the death
- Inform the deceased’s executor, bank, employer, medical aid, pension fund, retirement fund, broker and financial planner of the death
- Consolidate all the deceased’s critical documentation, such as ID book or card, passport and Death Certificate (For a comprehensive list of the documentation required to administer the estate click here )
- Collaborate with the nominated executor to streamline the administration of the estate
- As an heir or legatee, the distribution of an estate can be financially overwhelming and requires specialised estate planning to manage the process. Contact us to help you with your estate planning
What you need to bring with you
Personal documents and information
- Original Last Will and Testament (if held by deceased)
- Original Death Certificate
- Original Identity Document or Passport
- Original Marriage Certificate
- Certificate of Registration of Customary Marriage
- Original Antenuptial contract
- The full names of the deceased’s parents
- The full names of the deceased’s children (including those predeceased)
Former spouse(s) or divorcees
- Full names and contact details
- Copy of the Final Divorce Order/Decree
- Copy of the signed Divorce agreement
Predeceased spouse(s)
- Full names
- Copy of Death Certificate
- Copy of Last Will and Testament
- Copy of the liquidation and distribution account / date of death and Master’s office where the death was reported
Download a checklist of these details here
Fixed properties
- Original Title Deed / Safe Custody receipts
- Recent home loan statements
- Lease agreements
- Rates accounts / levy statements
- Details of any credit life cover
- Capital gains tax valuations
- Proof of insurance
Motor vehicles (including trailers,motor bikes, boats and caravans, etc.)
- Registration certificates / logbook
- Recent finance statement
- Proof of insurance
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Our support
-
What to do in the event of death
-
What you need to bring with you
- Access to fiduciary legal & tax resources
- Your wishes will be carried out according to instructions in your Will *
- Your family or loved ones are spared the burden of administering your estate
- Impartiality – our executors remain objective and accountable
- If you appoint a family member as an executor, we can advise and assist them
* We also offer estate administration where we haven’t been nominated as the executor, or no will exists
- In the event of the natural death of a loved one, contact your family doctor or undertaker who will guide you on the steps to follow
- In the event of unnatural death, immediately contact the police
- Establish whether the deceased held a Will. If Standard Trust is the nominated executor of the deceased’s estate, click here to report the death
- Inform the deceased’s executor, bank, employer, medical aid, pension fund, retirement fund, broker and financial planner of the death
- Consolidate all the deceased’s critical documentation, such as ID book or card, passport and Death Certificate (For a comprehensive list of the documentation required to administer the estate click here )
- Collaborate with the nominated executor to streamline the administration of the estate
- As an heir or legatee, the distribution of an estate can be financially overwhelming and requires specialised estate planning to manage the process. Contact us to help you with your estate planning
Personal documents and information
- Original Last Will and Testament (if held by deceased)
- Original Death Certificate
- Original Identity Document or Passport
- Original Marriage Certificate
- Certificate of Registration of Customary Marriage
- Original Antenuptial contract
- The full names of the deceased’s parents
- The full names of the deceased’s children (including those predeceased)
Former spouse(s) or divorcees
- Full names and contact details
- Copy of the Final Divorce Order/Decree
- Copy of the signed Divorce agreement
Predeceased spouse(s)
- Full names
- Copy of Death Certificate
- Copy of Last Will and Testament
- Copy of the liquidation and distribution account / date of death and Master’s office where the death was reported
Download a checklist of these details here
Fixed properties
- Original Title Deed / Safe Custody receipts
- Recent home loan statements
- Lease agreements
- Rates accounts / levy statements
- Details of any credit life cover
- Capital gains tax valuations
- Proof of insurance
Motor vehicles (including trailers,motor bikes, boats and caravans, etc.)
- Registration certificates / logbook
- Recent finance statement
- Proof of insurance
Frequently asked questions
What is an 'estate'?
The net value of a person’s estate is the sum of a person’s assets and claims, less liabilities and expenses, as at date of death.
What is an 'executor'?
The executor is the person or legal entity nominated in the Will of a person to take up the executorship of the estate. This person will then apply to the Master of the High Court for appointment as executor in terms of the Will and will then attend to the administration of the estate.
What is an 'estate officer'?
The estate officer is the person who attends to the day to day administration of the estate. However, please note this may be referred to by a different name at different organisations.
What are the duties of an executor?
An executor is responsible for ensuring that the terms of the Will are adhered to. The executor is also responsible for various regulatory obligations imposed on the executor by law. For example, placing the advertisements required by law, attending to the submission of the final income tax returns and post death tax returns, drafting and lodging the Liquidation and Distribution Account(s) with the Master of the High Court, and attending to the distribution of the estate as prescribed in the Will, or in terms of a Re-Distribution Agreement.
How do I report a death?
You would need to contact the person or organisation named as the executor in the Will of the deceased to advise them of the death of the testator or testatrix.
What is the 'Master of the High Court'?
The Master of the High Court is a statutory body and they act as regulator for various Acts: the most important of which is the Administration of Estates Act of 1965 (the Act), which specifically regulates the administration of deceased estates.
What is a 'Letter of Executorship'?
This document is issued by the Master of the High Court and this authorises the person(s) who is nominated as executor, to proceed with the administration of the estate.
How long does it take to onboard an estate?
This process usually takes between five and seven working days.
What documents do I need to provide the nominated executor?
- The death certificate and identity document of the deceased.
- The identity document and contact details of the beneficiaries in terms of the Will.
- Details of the deceased’s assets and liabilities, including fixed properties, motor vehicles, share portfolios, unit trust and other investments, and the income tax reference number of the deceased.
In terms of the Act, what are the Section 29 & 35 advertisements?
The Section 29 advertisement is a regulatory requirement which calls upon creditors to lodge their claims against the estate. The Section 35 advertisement is also a regulatory requirement, which advertises the Liquidation and Distribution Account as lying open for inspection in the magisterial district where the deceased was ordinarily a resident prior to death.
How long does an estate take to administer?
This depends on the complexity of the estate and the co-operation that the executor receives from various government entities and entities where the deceased would have had an interest.
We also offer
Wills
A Will represents peace of mind for you and those you care about. The importance of a Will, and the protection it gives your family cannot be overstated. We can help you draft a personalised Will, as well as offer ongoing reviews should your circumstances change. Plus, we can hold your Will in the safe custody of Standard Trust’s vault.
Trusts
By establishing a Trust, you are able to set up a structure and appoint trustees to manage your assets for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Our experienced Trust specialists are ready to help you draft a Trust deed and establish a Trust to create a lasting legacy for your loved ones.
Beneficiary Care
Losing a loved one is tough, especially for children who may be left without financial support. That's why we've created the Standard Umbrella Beneficiary Fund, managed by Standard Trust Limited and registered with the FSCA. We're here to provide compassionate support and help manage the funds for minor beneficiaries or orphans. Our aim is to empower parents and guardians to continue providing for their children's future in the event of their absence.