First Step After Death: Reporting the deceased estate to the Master of the High Court Self-Study Course

This session walks learners through the first practical steps after death, with a focus on correct reporting, complete documentation, and avoiding delays in obtaining the issuing of Letters of Executorship or Letters of Authority.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, learners should be able to:

identify which estates must be reported to the Master;

distinguish between estates requiring Letters of Executorship and section 18(3) estates requiring Letters of Authority;

prepare the required reporting documents;

identify the supporting documents required from the family, nominated executor or representative;

understand the difference between testate and intestate reporting requirements;

reduce delays caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Key topics

• What happens immediately after death
• When and where to report a deceased estate
• Role of the Master of the High Court
• Testate estates versus intestate estates
• Estates above and below the section 18(3) threshold
• Letters of Executorship versus Letters of Authority
• Required information and supporting documents
• Completing the Death Notice
• Completing the Inventory
• Acceptance of Trust as Executor
• Master’s Directions for section 18(3) smaller estates
• Next of Kin affidavit
• Nomination documents in intestate estates or where an alternative executor is needed
• Submitting reporting documentation to the Master of the High Court
• Common reasons the Master rejects or delays applications