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When a person passes away in South Africa, one of the first legal steps is completing a death notice. This document is required to report the death to the Master of the High Court. Without it, the estate cannot be formally registered or administered.
A death notice (Form J294) records key details such as the deceased’s name, ID number, marital status and last address. It is the foundation of every estate file at the Master’s Office and must accompany the death certificate and any will or supporting documents.
ALSO READ: Death certificate: how to get one in South Africa
What is a death notice form?
A death notice form serves as a sworn declaration that a person has died and that their estate needs to be administered. It allows the Master’s Office to open an estate file, issue a reference number and later appoint an executor. This is different from a death certificate, which is issued by Home Affairs to confirm the cause and fact of death.
In simple terms:
- Home Affairs confirms the death (with a certificate).
- The Master’s Office records the estate (with a death notice form).
Where to get a death notice form
If you’re wondering where to get a death notice form, it can be downloaded free of charge from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website. The form is officially known as Form J294 and is available in PDF format. You can also obtain a printed copy at any Master of the High Court office across South Africa, including:
- Cape Town
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Bloemfontein
- Durban
- Kimberley
- Polokwane
- Mthatha
LegalNotice.co.za also provides a free downloadable version of the form. This ensures that executors and family members meet all legal requirements from the start of the process.
Who must complete and submit the death notice
The person responsible for completing the form is usually:
- The next of kin, if there is no will; or
- The executor named in the will; or
- A representative or attorney acting on behalf of the family.
Once the form is completed and signed, it must be lodged with the Master’s Office in the province where the deceased was living at the time of death. The Master will then open the estate file and issue an estate reference number (for example, 12345/2025).
Step-by-step process
- Obtain the death certificate from Home Affairs.
- Download or collect Form J294 (death notice form).
- Complete it with the deceased’s full personal details and family information.
- Attach a certified copy of the death certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and will.
- Submit all documents to the relevant Master of the High Court.
If the estate must later be advertised — for example, under Section 29 or Section 35 of the Administration of Estates Act — LegalNotice.co.za can assist in formatting and publishing the required legal notice within 24–48 hours.
Knowing where to get a death notice form and how to complete it correctly saves valuable time and ensures the estate process runs smoothly. The form is available from the Department of Justice, any Master’s Office, or directly through LegalNotice.co.za, where professional assistance is available to guide you through the next steps — including publishing your legal notices online and in the Government Gazette.
