Fiduciary Services

Deceased Estate Administration

We'll carry the administration, so your family can grieve.

From reporting to the Master to final distribution — handled end to end.

When someone passes away, their estate must be reported to the Master of the High Court and wound up according to law. It is detailed, deadline-driven work at the hardest possible time. We take it on — gently and completely — so your family doesn't have to.

Who this is for

Executors named in a will
Surviving spouses and families
Heirs needing an estate wound up correctly
Anyone overwhelmed by the administration after a death

Common concerns we solve

“I've been named executor and I have no idea where to start.”
“There are forms, deadlines and the Master's Office — it's overwhelming.”
“We just want this handled properly and kindly.”

What Crest Trust assists with

How we help with deceased estate administration

Reporting the estate to the Master of the High Court

Obtaining Letters of Executorship

Advertising, collecting assets and settling liabilities

Preparing the liquidation & distribution account and distributing to heirs

The process

Step by step

01
Report
We report the estate and obtain Letters of Executorship.
02
Gather
We collect assets, advertise and settle liabilities.
03
Account
We prepare and lodge the liquidation & distribution account.
04
Distribute
We finalise and distribute to the heirs, and close the estate.

What to bring

Documents & information

A starting checklist — we'll confirm exactly what's needed for your situation. Don't worry if you don't have everything to hand.

The original will, if one exists
Death certificate
Identity document of the deceased
ID documents of the surviving spouse and heirs
Details of assets, accounts, policies and liabilities

Questions

Deceased Estate Administration — common questions

It varies with the estate's size and complexity and the Master's turnaround — commonly several months to over a year. We keep things moving and keep you informed at every stage.

Estate duty is a tax on the dutiable value of an estate above the statutory abatement. Not every estate pays it, and certain bequests — such as those to a surviving spouse — generally reduce it. We calculate the position and settle it correctly. (General information, not legal advice.)

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