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Client Document PackWills and EstatesMedium
Deceased Estate Reporting Checklist
Document pack for death notice, will, assets, liabilities, family details, and estate reporting steps.
Time to prepare3-6 hours
Before you start
0/4 completedNeed help with this checklist?
Get support from a lawyer who works with wills and estates matters.
Before reporting
0/4 completedOn submission day
0/3 completedAfterwards
0/3 completedWhen It Applies
A family member has died and the estate must be reported to the Master or relevant service point.
You need to prepare documents before speaking to an estates lawyer, executor, bank, or the Master’s Office.
Not For
- Executor strategy, estate-tax advice, disputed wills, insolvent estates, or litigation without specialist advice.
- Emergency family support, funeral arrangements, or immediate bank-account access advice.
Documents
- Death certificate
- Deceased person ID
- Surviving spouse ID
- Marriage certificate or antenuptial contract
- Original will
- Next-of-kin details
- Asset list
- Debt list
- Property details
- Policy documents
- Bank details
- Master’s forms
Timeline
- Immediately: secure the original will and death certificate.
- Before reporting: prepare family, asset, debt, and executor details.
- On submission: keep stamped or emailed proof.
- Afterwards: track Master’s Office, executor, bank, SARS, and beneficiary requests.
Tips
- Keep the original will clean and unstapled.
- Use one asset-and-debt schedule for the family and executor.
- Do not assume all policies form part of the estate.
- Ask for advice if there is no will, a disputed will, business interests, foreign assets, or insolvency risk.
Warning Signs
- The original will is missing.
- Family members dispute the executor, heirs, or asset control.
- The estate may be insolvent.
- There are minor children, trusts, offshore assets, or business shares.
Official sources
- Department of Justice Master: Deceased EstatesEstate reporting, Master’s Office, and executor authority context.
- Department of Justice Master formsEstate-reporting form and document context.
- Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965Estate administration and executor authority context.
This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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