EDUCATIONAL SERIES

Understanding the Role of the Master of the High Court

The supervisory authority in deceased estate administration
Infosheet 3 of 28

The Master of the High Court is one of the most important institutions in the deceased estate process and one of the most frustrating for our clients. Families frequently express frustration with delays or queries that seem to come from nowhere, without realising that many of them originate with, or pass through, the Master’s office.

The Master is not an administrator. The Master does not wind up estates — that is the executor’s job. What the Master does is oversee: issuing the appointments that legally allow an estate to be administered, reviewing the financial account that governs distribution, and protecting beneficiaries who cannot protect themselves.

Understanding what the Master does and equally, what the Master does not do, will help you set realistic expectations and avoid the frustration that comes from expecting the wrong things from this important office.

1 What the Master Actually Does
  • Issuing Letters of Executorship or Letters of Authority — these legally empower the executor to administer the estate.
  • Reviewing the L&D Account — checking that assets, liabilities, and proposed distribution are lawful and fair.
  • Handling Objections and Queries — may require amendments, explanations, or supporting documents.
  • Ensuring Protection of Vulnerable Beneficiaries — minors or persons with disabilities may have funds paid into the Guardian’s Fund.
  • Monitoring Compliance — ensuring timelines, advertisements, and document submissions are all in order.
2 Why the Master’s Role Matters

The Master acts as a safeguard against mismanagement, fraud, or unfair distribution. For executors, the Master provides structure and accountability. For heirs, the Master provides protection and recourse.

3 What the Master Does NOT Do
  • The Master does not administer the estate — that is the executor’s job.
  • The Master does not resolve family disputes — those require mediation or court intervention.
  • The Master does not give legal advice — only guidance on procedural requirements.
4 In Practice

Most interactions with the Master happen through document submissions, queries, and approvals. A well-prepared executor who submits complete, compliant documents typically experiences a smoother process.

A Note From Our Practice

Losing someone you love is hard enough. The legal process of winding up their estate should not be a source of additional confusion or anxiety. But for most families, it is.

Estate administration in South Africa is a structured legal process governed by the Administration of Estates Act and a range of other legislation. It involves the Master of the High Court, SARS, financial institutions, the Deeds Office, and more. It takes time. It requires documents. And it can feel, at every turn, like a system that expects you to already know how it works.
We created this educational series because we believe informed families make better decisions and because the questions we are asked most often are the same ones that could be answered before a client ever walks through our door.

The CDT Educational Series consists of 28 infosheets covering the full spectrum of deceased estate administration, from the first 72 hours after a death to the final distribution of assets. Each infosheet is written in plain language, without jargon, and is designed to give you a clear picture of what the process involves and why each step exists.

Important: These infosheets are educational resources. They provide general information about the estate administration process in South Africa and are not intended as legal advice. Every estate has its own facts, complexities, and circumstances. Nothing in this series should be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal guidance specific to your matter.

Our intention is simple: to help you understand the landscape, ask the right questions, and feel confident when you come to us for help. Because when you are ready, we are here.

Cari du Toit & Aqeela Peters

Directors
Cari du Toit Incorporated Attorneys & Conveyancers