estate glossary
Legal terms can feel overwhelming, especially during a difficult time. This glossary explains estate administration terminology in plain language, so you can feel more confident navigating the process.
Beneficiary
Someone who is set to receive something from the estate - whether named in a will or entitled by law.
Read definition →Conveyancing
The legal process for transferring property ownership. When someone passes away and leaves a house, conveyancing is needed to officially move it into the new owner's name.
Read definition →Estate Duty
A tax on the value of someone's estate when they pass away. The first R3.5 million is tax-free, and the tax only applies to the amount above that threshold.
Read definition →Estate Late
The formal way of referring to everything a person left behind after passing - their money, property, debts, and all related matters.
Read definition →Executor
The person officially in charge of wrapping up the estate - they gather everything, pay what's owed, and make sure the right people receive what's left.
Read definition →Fiduciary
Someone who is legally required to act in your best interest - not their own. Executors and trustees hold this responsibility.
Read definition →Heir
Someone who is entitled to receive from the estate - either because they were named in a will or because the law says so.
Read definition →Intestate Succession
What happens when someone passes away without a valid will. South African law sets out exactly who inherits what, starting with the spouse and children.
Read definition →Letters of Executorship
The official paperwork that gives the executor permission to handle the estate. Banks, insurers, and other institutions require this before releasing anything.
Read definition →Liquidation and Distribution Account
A detailed financial report the executor prepares showing everything the estate owns, owes, and how the remaining assets will be shared. Anyone can inspect it for 21 days before payouts happen.
Read definition →Master's Office
The government office that oversees deceased estates. They appoint executors, check that everything is done properly, and keep official records of every estate.
Read definition →Section 18(3)
A rule that lets smaller estates skip some of the formal steps, making the process quicker and simpler for families.
Read definition →Testate
When someone has left a valid will. Their estate is handled according to what they wrote in it.
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