The administration of an estate refers to the management and distribution of a deceased person’s estate. The Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 and the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 regulates the aforementioned. Our office is fully acquainted with these requirements and the internal procedures of the office of the Master of the High Court.
The importance of having an up to date and valid will can never be over-emphasised and is of particular importance where you are the owner of immovable property and/or have minor children. By having a will you are able to leave instructions on how your estate must be distributed and you can name someone as the executor of your will to carry out these instructions on your behalf. If you die without a valid and up to date will or without a will altogether then you will have died intestate. This means that the law of intestate succession will determine how your estate will be distributed. This may include beneficiaries whom you may not have wished to benefit or may exclude persons whom you would have preferred to benefit.