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Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Deceased Estate Attorneys – Winding Up Estates Without the Wait
Losing a loved one is hard enough without a year of Master’s Office queues, frozen bank accounts and family disputes. Our deceased estate attorneys administer estates end-to-end — reporting the estate, obtaining Letters of Executorship, advertising, collecting assets, paying creditors and transferring inheritances — while keeping heirs informed at every stage instead of leaving them in the dark.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need deceased estate attorneys
Reporting a deceased estate to the Master of the High Court
Acting as or assisting a nominated executor
Estates without a valid will (intestate succession)
Frozen bank accounts and access to funds for dependants
Property transfers out of a deceased estate
Disputes between heirs or challenges to a will
Insolvent deceased estates owing more than they hold
Claims for maintenance against the estate by survivors
How we handle your matter
Reporting
We report the estate to the Master within 14 days, lodge the death notice, will and inventory, and apply for Letters of Executorship or Authority.
Asset & creditor collection
We open the estate late account, advertise for creditors (Section 29), collect assets and obtain valuations.
Liquidation & Distribution account
We draft the L&D account allocating assets, settling liabilities, estate duty and executor’s fees, and lodge it with the Master.
Advertisement & inspection
The account lies open for inspection for 21 days; objections, if any, are resolved before the Master’s approval.
Distribution & transfer
We pay heirs, transfer fixed property via conveyancing, close the estate account and obtain the Master’s filing slip — done properly, once.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
Executor’s remuneration is capped by tariff at 3.5% of gross estate value plus 6% on income collected. We quote fixed fees for small estates (under R250,000, Section 18(3)) and reduced negotiated rates on larger estates.
Key legislation:
- Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965
- Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987
- Wills Act 7 of 1953
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to wind up a deceased estate?
A straightforward estate takes 9–18 months, driven mainly by Master’s Office turnaround. Estates with property, business interests or disputes take longer — proactive follow-up is the difference.
What happens if there is no will?
The estate devolves under the Intestate Succession Act — spouse and children inherit in fixed shares. The Master appoints an executor, usually the surviving spouse or a nominated professional.
Can money be accessed for the family while the estate is wound up?
Bank accounts freeze on death, but the executor can release funds for funeral costs and, once appointed, make interim maintenance arrangements. Planning (joint accounts, policies with beneficiaries) avoids the squeeze.
What does an executor actually do?
Everything: secure assets, advertise for creditors, pay debts and taxes, prepare the liquidation and distribution account, and distribute to heirs — with personal liability for mistakes. Most nominated family executors appoint an attorney to do the work.
What is estate duty and who pays it?
A 20% tax (25% above R30 million) on the dutiable estate above the R3.5 million abatement. It is paid by the estate before distribution — good structuring during life reduces it lawfully.
A family member is contesting the will — what now?
Will disputes (capacity, undue influence, formalities) are High Court matters. The estate administration typically pauses on the disputed issues; early legal strategy protects both executors and genuine heirs.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about deceased estate attorneys from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
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