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After the Notice to Creditors (Form J193) period has closed and all valid claims have been received, the executor of a deceased estate must prepare the Liquidation and Distribution Account. This account, published by means of Form J187, sets out all the assets, liabilities and proposed distributions of the estate.
Click here to request the form.
The publication of the J187 notice is a crucial legal step in the finalisation of any estate in South Africa, as it notifies interested parties that the account is available for inspection and objection.
Purpose of the J187 notice
The J187 notice ensures transparency and fairness in the winding up of an estate. It provides creditors, heirs and other interested persons an opportunity to inspect the estate’s Liquidation and Distribution Account and raise any objections before the estate is finalised.
By law, the notice must be published in both the Government Gazette and an online newspaper, like Nuusflits, or a newspaper in the district where the deceased resided.
What the notice must include
A proper Form J187 notice includes:
- The full name, surname and identity number of the deceased
- The date of death and last address
- The Master’s Office where the estate was registered and the estate number
- The date of publication
- A statement that the First and Final Liquidation and Distribution Account will lie open for inspection for 21 days at the Master’s Office and the relevant Magistrate’s Office
If the deceased was married in community of property, the notice must also reflect the name and identity number of the surviving spouse.
Why the J187 notice is important
The 21-day inspection period gives any interested person a chance to review the account and submit objections if they believe there are errors or irregularities. Once the inspection period expires and no valid objections are received, the executor may proceed to distribute the estate as set out in the account.
Without proof of publication, the Master of the High Court will not authorise final distribution.
How to publish a Form J187 notice
At LegalNotice.co.za, we prepare, format and publish J187 notices in full compliance with the Chief Master’s Directive 1 of 2025. We arrange publication both online and in the Government Gazette to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
To publish a J187 notice:
- Email your estate details to estates@legalnotice.co.za or complete our online request form.
- We will send you a proof within 24 hours for approval.
- Once approved and payment is received, we publish on given date and provide proof of publication.
The Form J187 notice marks one of the final stages in the administration of a deceased estate. Publishing it correctly and on time ensures compliance with South African law and allows for a smooth, dispute-free distribution of assets.
To publish your J187 notice efficiently and affordably, contact jana@legalnotice.co.za today.
