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Best Deceased Estate administrators in Cape Town

The Executor of the estate is responsible for the administration of the estate, and so will either act as administrator or appoint an agent (e.g. an estate lawyer) to assist and act as administrator. Deceased estate administration can be complex and require specialists (e.g. if there's property in the deceased estate the Master normally recommends that a conveyancing attorney be appointed as agent).

Hire Administrator

Administrators of deceased estates

Common choices as executors or administrators of deceased estates are:

• Schuld Inc Attorneys
  • Phone : 021-5310205
  • Pinelands
  • Administration of Estates
  • Conveyancers in Pinelands
  • Mediators

• Absa deceased estates
  • Phone +27-861-113003
  • Email deceasedestates@absa.africa
• Capitec deceased estates
  • Phone +27-67-4189565
  • Email CCSDeceasedQueries@capitecbank.co.za
• Momentum deceased estates
• Old Mutual deceased estates
• Sanlam deceased estates
  • Phone +27-860-726526
    

Has your Mom, Dad or a relative of yours recently passed; and you are looking for a deceased estate administrator? Work through the list above, and apply the principles set out below, to find the best administrator for you. Sometimes it may be a relative or friend of the deceased, in other cases a professional may be more appropriate. Email lawyer@capetownlawyer.co.za for free assistance with selecting an administrator/executor.

How to choose a deceased estate administrator

Choosing the right Deceased Estate Administrator (Executor or Administrator) is crucial, as they play a key role in ensuring the estate is managed and distributed correctly, in compliance with South African law and the deceased's wishes (or just the law, if the deceased died wiout a will). Mismanagement or errors can lead to financial losses, delays, and disputes. Here are some factors to consider:

• If the deceased has already nominated an executor in their will, that person is typically the first option. Ensure that the nominated executor is able and willing to take on the responsibility.
• If the deceased died wiout a will, you may need to appoint an administrator, which could be a family member, friend, or professional.
• The administrator must have a strong understanding of legal processes, including the laws governing deceased estates, taxation and property law (if applicable). An executor with legal or financial expertise (e.g., an attorney, accountant, or financial planner) is often best equipped to handle the complexities of an estate, particularly if it involves high-value assets, business interests, or complicated tax matters.
• Ask about their experience in administering estates, especially estates of similar size and complexity. If they have successfully handled estates before, they are more likely to do so again efficiently.
• The administrator will have access to the deceased’s assets and will be making important decisions on behalf of the beneficiaries. Therefore, trustworthiness and honesty are essential qualities. Family members or trusted friends may be considered, but they should be reliable and committed to carrying out the role impartially.
• Ensure the person or professional you choose does not have any conflicts of interest that could lead to unfair treatment of beneficiaries or misuse of estate assets.
• Estate administration can be time-consuming, especially if the estate is large or complex. Choose someone who has the time and willingness to take on the responsibility. This is especially important if the administrator has other personal or professional commitments that might limit their ability to focus on the estate.
• The executor/administrator must be able to communicate with beneficiaries, legal advisors, and other parties involved, keeping everyone informed throughout the process.
• If possible, choose someone who is impartial and can handle the administration without being overly influenced by personal relationships or emotions. This is particularly important in cases where there may be family disputes or competing interests among beneficiaries.
• In complex or contentious situations, you may want to consider a professional administrator (e.g., an attorney, trust company, or bank) who is independent and can manage the estate in a neutral, professional manner.
• If the estate includes a variety of assets such as property, shares, businesses, or intellectual property, it may require a professional with specific expertise in these areas (e.g. a property transfer lawyer). Some estates may also involve complex tax issues or disputes that require legal and financial know-how.
• If the estate involves complex family dynamics or potential disputes, consider whether the administrator can handle these sensitivities and conflicts. A professional administrator may be better suited to mediate or manage complex family relationships.
• In some cases, it may be wise to appoint a professional who specialises in estate administration, such as an accountant or lawyer with experience in deceased estates. Some trust companies and banks also offer estate administration services.
• While appointing a professional administrator will typically incur costs (e.g., legal fees, trustee fees), the expertise they bring may help ensure the estate is handled efficiently and according to the law. Be clear on the fees and ensure they are reasonable for the size and complexity of the estate.
• If you are considering a professional administrator (e.g., a lawyer or a trust company), ask for references or reviews from past clients. This will give you an idea of their track record and how they have managed similar estates.
• In some cases, if you are unsure about the ability of a single person, you can appoint more than one executor or administrator. For example, you could appoint a trusted family member alongside a professional such as a lawyer or accountant to ensure the administration is handled well from both a personal and technical perspective. If there are multiple executors, they must act jointly, meaning they must agree on all decisions related to the estate.

Fees

In South Africa the fees for the executors of an estate are set in the Administration of Deceased Estates Act; the current level is 3.5% of the gross value of the deceased estate.

Paperwork of Appointment

If the heirs decide to appoint the administrator as executor, they would fill out a Nomination to Act as Executor Form along with an affidavit setting out the particulars of the next-of-kin (unless the administrator is specified as the executor in the will, in which case the nomination form is not required), and then the administrator would need to complete an Acceptance of Trust as Executor form.

Deceased Estate Information

If a relative has died, perhaps without a will, and you are unsure of what do:

• Report deceased estate to the Master online
• Steps to take when your parent dies without a will.
  • Applying for a death certificate
  • J192 form - next-of-kin
  • Nomination to act as executor
• Lawyers in Cape Town specialising in deceased estates.
• Administrators in Cape Town for deceased estates .
• Letter of executorship requirements in South Africa.
  • J192 form - next-of-kin (if no will)
  • Nomination to act as executor (if no will)
  • J190 form assistance
• Administration of deceased estates in South Africa.
• Property transfer cost in a deceased estate.
• Inheritance and child maintenance obligations.
• Intestate Succession Act
• Tracking deceased estates
• Death of a spouse before divorce if finalised

Wills

• How to write a will.
• Example of a last will and testament.
• Get your will drafted for free (by a lawyer).
• List of lawyers that draft wills in Cape Town.
• Consider updating your will when these events occur:
  • when divorcing; to avoid your ex-spouse possibly inheriting everything.
  • death of somebody mentioned in your will,
  • the birth of a child you may want to include in your will,
  • marriages

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Deceased Estate discussion forum

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