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Deceased estate administrator and professional executor reviewing a deceased’s documents in the deceased estate administration process. Deceased estate administrator and professional executor reviewing a deceased’s documents in the deceased estate administration process.

Deceased estate administration

Settling a deceased estate is a stressful time for those left behind. With Momentum Trust's deceased estate administration and executor services, you don't have to deal with the practicalities on your own.

  • We carry out the deceased estate administration process as South African law requires.
  • We act as an executor or executor's agent of the deceased's estate.
  • We safeguard the interests of beneficiaries and creditors in the process.

Speak to an adviser about drafting a Will that nominates Momentum Trust as executor or contact us to assist with the administration of a loved one's deceased estate.

What is a deceased estate?

A deceased estate includes all the assets and liabilities a person leaves behind when they die. In South Africa, settling a deceased estate is a legal requirement, and the process can become costly due to executor fees, taxes, and administrative expenses. Understanding the costs associated with a deceased estate can help prevent unexpected burdens for your loved ones and ensure a smoother, more efficient deceased estate administration process.

You can plan for these costs in advance by calculating the cost of dying and drafting an executable Will that ensures there’s enough money in your estate.

Steps in the deceased estate administration process

As an appointed executor or agent, we take the required steps to settle a deceased estate.

Estate onboarding Our specialist administrators collect initial paperwork from the deceased’s family which includes the death certificate and Will (if available).
Conduct a preliminary interview We set up a first interview with relevant parties to review paperwork, determine potential beneficiaries and assess the estate's assets and liabilities.
Appointment of an executor We submit all documentation to The Master of the High Court who formally appoints an executor to attend to the estate’s administration via Letter of Executorship.
Advertise for creditors We advertise for creditors to lodge their claims against the estate.
Prepare the liquidation and distribution (L&D) account We set out the deceased estate's financial position, listing assets, liabilities, estate duties, the beneficiaries, and their inheritance according to the Will.
Advertise the L&D account We advertise the account, which lies for inspection, so that any objections can be lodged with the Master of the High Court.
Distribute the estate We obtain final clearance from SARS, pay creditors, distribute assets to beneficiaries and start transferring fixed property.
Sign off the estate We get approval from the Master of the High Court to close the estate.

Why choose Momentum Trust to administer a deceased estate?

Settling a deceased estate can become lengthy and costly without the technical expertise to manage the admin-intensive process and deal with unexpected hurdles. With Momentum Trust, you can rest assured that your estate administration is in good hands.

An experienced executor, sitting at her office desk, next to a gavel, with legal documentation, discussing a deceased’s Will with a beneficiary.

Get an experienced executor you can trust

Avoid unnecessary delays, family disputes and legal action. We swiftly carry out the administrative process and distribute the deceased’s assets according to a Will, Trust or Intestate Succession.

A legal expert shaking hands with a client after a deceased estate has been properly settled.

Benefit from legal and financial expertise

Each individual’s personal and financial circumstances differ at the time of their death. We understand the legislative framework to properly settle the deceased’s debt and taxes and distribute assets to the beneficiaries.

An estate administrator showing support to a family member during a preliminary interview in the estate administration process.

Get support at every step

Because we understand that the loss of a loved one is traumatic, we’ll be in constant communication with you to ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. You can also contact us for help related to you or a loved one’s estate.

Deceased estate administration FAQs

Deceased estate administration is the process of settling a deceased’s estate after someone has passed away. Without the necessary legal and financial expertise, the process can get very lengthy and costly. Our deceased estate administration services help you correctly settle the deceased's estate.


If there is no Will, the deceased’s estate will be administered according to the Intestate Succession Act. This affects how the estate is distributed and adds complexity to the deceased estate administration process. It can lead to unintended outcomes, such as delays in appointing an executor, increased administrative expenses, distribution of assets
Depending on the nature and complexity of the estate, it can take up to a few months to several years to settle an estate. Our estate administration services can assist in the smooth winding up of a deceased estate to avoid delays impacting your loved ones.

Settling your estate starts with an estate plan

With a clear estate plan, you can manage unexpected costs and nominate a trusted executor to settle your estate as per your wishes. Let our financial advisers help you plan your estate today to secure your loved ones’ tomorrow.

Contact Momentum Trust




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