Tracking of deceased estates in South Africa
In South Africa, tracking deceased estates has become easier due to the introduction of an online system. Here’s what you need to know:
Masters’ Office Traditionally Handles Estates:
- ✅ Deceased estates are managed by the office of the Chief Master of the High Court.
- ✅ Traditionally, estates were filed across various Magistrates’ Courts or 14 Masters’ Offices, making it difficult to track specific estates.
Online Tracking System Implemented:
- ✅ To improve efficiency and transparency, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development launched a deceased estate online tracking system.
- ✅ This system is accessible through the Magisterial Services website (https://www.justice.gov.za/).
Public Access to Track Estates:
- ✅ The ICMS Web Portal (Integrated Case Management System) allows public access for tracking the administration process of estates and trusts.
- ✅ You can search for a specific estate using details like the deceased’s name or estate number (if known).
Benefits of the Online System:
- ✅ Convenience: You can track the progress of an estate from anywhere with an internet connection.
- ✅ Transparency: The system provides greater transparency into the estate administration process.
- ✅ Reduced Time: The online system eliminates the need for visiting multiple offices or phoning for updates, potentially saving time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to track a deceased estate using the online system:
- ✅ Access the Department of Justice Website: Visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website (https://www.justice.gov.za/).
- ✅ Navigate to Deceased Estates: Look for a section or link related to deceased estates or estate administration. This might be under “Magisterial Services” or “Services.”
- ✅Search for the Estate: The specific search function might vary depending on the website’s design. You can potentially search by deceased’s name or estate number (if you have it).
- ✅ View Estate Details (if available): If a match is found, the system might display basic details regarding the estate, such as the administering Master’s Office or a reference number.
Important Considerations:
- ✅ Limited Information: The publicly accessible information might not be extensive. Details regarding beneficiaries or the value of the estate likely won’t be available due to privacy concerns.
- ✅ Need for Legal Representation: If you require detailed information or have a claim on the estate, consulting a lawyer specializing in estate law is recommended. They can assist you in navigating the legal process.
- ✅ System Availability: While the online system is a significant improvement, temporary outages can occur.
Alternative Methods (if online system unavailable):
If the online system is unavailable or you cannot locate the estate there, consider these alternatives:
- 🗸 Contact the Master of the High Court in the relevant region: Inquiries can be made by phone, email, or visiting the Master’s Office in person.
- 🗸 Consult a Lawyer: A lawyer can assist in tracing the estate through various channels and advise you on the best course of action.
By understanding the available methods for tracking deceased estates, you can gain more information during this often complex and sensitive process.
Read more about:
- ✅ Administration of deceased estates Act
- ✅ Banks that assist with wills
- ✅ Administrator of deceased estate
- ✅ Deceased Estate legal terms
- ✅ Deceased estate notice
- ✅ Find a will of a deceased person online
- ✅ How to claim inheritance money
- ✅ Late claims for deceased estate
- ✅ Master of High Court for deceased estates
- ✅ Onbudsman for deceased estates
- ✅ Punishment for taking money from a deceased account
- ✅ Settle deceased estate
- ✅ Transfer property after death without a will
- ✅ Will dispute process
- ✅ Wills Act
- ✅ Withdrawing money from deceased estate