Financial Planning | Wills, Trusts and Estates

The estate process
Why choose us
Services
FAQs

Making a complex process simple

1. The family begins the process
The Family begins the process by reporting the loss of a loved one. The claims process begins when a dedicated Estate Consultant is allocated, to help the family through the entire process.
2. We set up an appointment
We contact the heirs to set up an appointment. The Master's office recommends reporting the estate within 14 days of death
3. Meeting with the family
At the meeting we get the relevant documents and signatures.
4. Handover to the administrator
We open the estate file and check if all requirements listed are met. Go to the High Court and submit the application for a Letter of Executorship (LOE).
5. Letter of Executorship
The Master's office examines the documents and issues a query sheet for more documents or issues the LOE.

Why choose us

Trust us as your estate administrator

Benefits

Over 180 professionals

Distributed across the country, including estate administrators, property conveyancers. legal and tax specialists.

A dedicated estate consultant

To guide your family through the whole estate administration process.

We're effecient

We’re able to wind-up estates significantly faster than the industry standard, meaning fewer delays for your beneficiaries.

Protection

With a Sanlam Legacy Plan in place, the deceased estate’s legal fees and costs will be covered, protecting the surviving family from unforeseen financial stresses.

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Protecting your legacy starts with a will

Speak to one of our expert consultants for help, or easily draft your online will.

Why choose us

A one-stop suite of services

From wills and purpose-driven trusts, to estate administration - we offer a full range of services.

Sanlam Legacy Plan

The Sanlam Legacy Plan is an effective planning tool that covers the deceasedestate’s fees and protects your surviving family from unforeseen financial stresses.

Wills

With access to a specialist consultant, free collection and safekeeping, and unlimited amendments at no cost, our services provide an easy and stress-free way to secure your will.

Beneficiary Care

As one of the top beneficiary funds in the country, our philosophy of beneficiary care goes beyond strict governance and oversight and into holistic financial wellbeing for our beneficiaries.

Faqs

Questions on estate administration

What are the duties of an executor of an estate?
Taking control, protecting and transferring of the deceased assets as per the last will and testament or as per the Intestate Succession Act;
Taking care of all the legislative requirements;
Paying all debts and administration expenses;
Ensuring that the final Income Tax returns are lodged and all taxes are dealt with; and Distribution of the final balances in the estate. The whole administration process is supervised and validated by the Master of the High Court, who also performs a judicial function. In other words, deals with any objection lodged against the Liquidation and Distribution Account or any contestation made against a will.
Do you have to pay tax on inherited property?
In general, when an individual passes away and bequeaths their entire estate to their surviving spouse, no Capital Gains Tax is payable. If the surviving spouse is inheriting the immovable property (house) in the estate, then the estate will also not be levied with Capital Gains Tax. However, if anyone else other than the surviving spouse inherits from the estate then Capital Gains Tax, Estate Duty and Donations Tax (if applicable for donations) will be levied.
How do I settle an estate after someone dies?
This is difficult to specify as every estate differs depending on the challenges unique to the estate. At Sanlam Trust, our business rule is to try and finalise an Estate within 12-18 months. Although we do achieve this, we need to regulate expectations and state that estates with many challenges may take longer to finalise. In some instances, an estate cannot be reported to the Master of the High Court due to factors such as missing/unsigned documents and cause of death. If this is the case, the Master of the High Court will not issue a Letter of Executorship (LoE) or Letter of Authority (LoA). The estate cannot be administered until an LoE/LoA is issued.
How long does it take to finalise a deceased estate?
This is difficult to specify as every estate differs depending on the challenges unique to the estate. At Sanlam Trust, our business rule is to try and finalise an Estate within 12-18 months. Although we do achieve this, we need to regulate expectations and state that estates with many challenges may take longer to finalise. In some instances, an estate cannot be reported to the Master of the High Court due to factors such as missing/unsigned documents and cause of death. If this is the case, the Master of the High Court will not issue a Letter of Executorship (LoE) or Letter of Authority (LoA). The estate cannot be administered until an LoE/LoA is issued.