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Find out if the deceased had a Will in place.

If the Will was kept at the deceased’s bank, then the bank will usually help.

What if there is no Will?

If the deceased dies without drawing up a Will, or you cannot find a Will, then it is called intestate.

The Master of the High Court will then appoint an executor for the deceased’s estate.

In most cases the estate will be divided in the following ways:

• If the deceased is survived by a spouse and children, then the estate is divided between them (the spouse usually receives more than the children, as they would need to arrange all the living expenses).
• If the deceased is survived by a spouse, and no children, then the spouse inherits the estate.
• If the deceased is survived by their children, but not by a spouse, then the children will inherit the estate.
• If the children are below the age of 18, the estate will be administered in a trust, by an appointed executor until they reach the age of 18, or the age stipulated in the Will.

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