What you need to know about being an executor of an estate

THE executor’s job is to step into the shoes of the deceased and ensure that assets are distributed according to the will, or, in the absence of one, in line with the laws of intestacy.

- SHERRY TAPFUMA

It’s a role that requires knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate a highly regulated process at what is often a difficult time for family members. Here’s what the job entails:

Appointing the right person:

If you have a will, your nominated executor will need to apply to the Master's Office for a Letter of Executorship. In the absence of a Will, the Master will appoint an executor dative to administer the estate under the laws of intestate succession. While many people nominate a spouse or family member, the administrative burden can be overwhelming especially during a period of grief. As such, appointing an independent, experienced professional who can remain impartial is often the wiser choice.

Factors that delay the process:

The time taken to wind up an estate depends on its size, structure, and complexity. Delays can occur where the death was due to unnatural causes, where the will is contested, where liquidity is insufficient, or where claims are lodged by a surviving spouse or children. Additional delays can result from backlogs at the Master's Office, SARS, financial institutions, or where heirs live abroad. With this in mind, our advice is always to ensure that your loved ones have access to funds to tide them through the administration process.

First steps for the executor: