First Step After Death: Reporting the Deceased Estate to the Master of the High Court & How to Navigate the Masters Office Online Portal Webinar

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