Losing a loved one is already one of life’s most difficult experiences. Add to that the burden of South Africa’s complex estate administration process, and families often find themselves overwhelmed at the worst possible time. In 2026, the challenges facing estate administrators have reached unprecedented levels, but understanding these obstacles and seeking professional help can make all the difference.
The Current State of Estate Administration
The administration of deceased estates in South Africa is governed by the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, a comprehensive framework designed to protect beneficiaries, creditors, and ensure orderly asset distribution. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The timeline reality: What should take six to eight months often stretches into several years. Some families report waiting nearly a year just to receive Letters of Executorship – a document that should be issued within 21 days.
The 14-day rule: Estates must be reported to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of death. Missing this deadline can freeze the estate indefinitely, preventing beneficiaries from accessing funds for essential expenses like funeral costs, household maintenance, or urgent family needs.
The Major Challenges Facing Estates Today
1. Documentation delays
Estates depend on multiple original documents, and inconsistencies between Master’s offices can bring the process to a halt when paperwork is missing or incorrect. Resolving these issues can significantly extend timelines.
2. Banking and financial institution bottlenecks
Strict fraud prevention and compliance processes at banks often slow the closure of accounts and release of funds. With multiple departments involved, delays are common and difficult to expedite.
3. Tax compliance challenges
SARS plays a central role in estate administration, and unresolved tax matters can prevent an estate from moving forward. Finalising assessments, duty calculations, and compliance requirements often adds considerable time to the process.
4. Family disputes and uncertainty
Disagreements over wills, asset distribution, or unclear intentions frequently arise, even in smaller estates. These disputes add emotional strain and can further delay finalisation.
5. Unexpected costs
Many families underestimate the expenses involved in administering an estate. Executor’s fees, professional services, property-related costs, and statutory charges can materially reduce the eventual inheritance.
6. Property and asset transfer complications
Transferring property and other assets from an estate often involves regulatory approvals and documentation challenges, which can slow down registration and settlement.
Why Professional Help Is Essential
1. Technical expertise matters
Estate administration requires specialised knowledge across wills, tax, property, investments, and trusts. Professional executors work within these frameworks daily, understand current regulations, and operate with established systems that support accurate and compliant administration.
2. Preventing costly errors
Mistakes in estate administration can lead to significant delays and unnecessary expense. Incorrect calculations, incomplete submissions, or missed planning opportunities often require professional intervention later, after time and money have already been lost. Appointing experienced support from the outset helps avoid these setbacks.
3. Managing complex financial calculations
Estates involve detailed financial work, from duty and fee calculations to VAT considerations, reconciliations, and foreign asset treatment. Professional tools and expertise ensure figures are accurate and aligned with legal requirements.
4. An impartial and steady hand
Disputes among beneficiaries are common, regardless of the size of the estate. A professional executor provides independence and objectivity, helping to manage disagreements fairly while acting in the best interests of the estate and all beneficiaries.
5. Continuity and reliability
Professional firms are structured to ensure continuity. If one executor is unable to act, another qualified professional can step in seamlessly, avoiding disruption and preventing the appointment of an unfamiliar executor by the Master.
6. Efficiency through experience
Experienced executors know how to navigate the Master’s Office and SARS requirements effectively. They understand which documents are required, how to prepare them correctly, and how to follow up consistently to keep matters moving.
7. Transparency and accountability
Professional executors operate within strict ethical, regulatory, and reporting frameworks. Ongoing oversight, formal record-keeping, and professional standards provide beneficiaries with protection and reassurance that the estate is being administered responsibly.
Special Considerations for 2026
Recent developments you should know:
The online system: The Master’s Deceased Estate Online Registration System went live in October 2023, allowing online registration of deceased estates. However:
- Staff still need to process and check each document
- The system has suffered multiple cyber attacks
- Technical issues remain common
- In-person visits are still often necessary
Current processing times: Even with the online system, expect:
- 2-4 weeks or longer for Letters of Executorship
- 6+ months for straightforward estates
- 1-3 years for complex estates
- Delays at every interaction point with the Master
Plan Ahead. Choose Wisely
Your legacy doesn’t have to come with administrative nightmares, family conflict, or unnecessary costs. With the right professional help, estate administration becomes what it should be: an orderly, respectful process that honours your wishes and protects your loved ones during their time of grief.
While every reasonable effort is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, neither the writers of articles nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information or recommendations contained herein. Our material is for informational purposes.