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When you administer a deceased estate in South Africa, the Master’s forms set the procedural backbone of the work. The Master of the High Court prescribes these forms under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. The most commonly used Master’s forms in South Africa are Form J193 (Notice to Creditors under Section 29), Form J187 (Liquidation and Distribution Account under Section 35(5)) and Form J155 (Acceptance of Trust as Executor). Two of these require publication in the Government Gazette and an online newspaper.
Also read: Form J193 Notice to Creditors — full statutory requirements.
Form J193 — Notice to Creditors (Section 29)
Form J193 is the prescribed Notice to Creditors. After Letters of Executorship are issued, the J193 calls on creditors and debtors of the deceased estate to lodge or settle claims within 30 days. Section 29 of the Administration of Estates Act requires publication in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the deceased’s district, today satisfied by an online newspaper, such as Nuusflits.
Form J187 — Liquidation and Distribution Account (Section 35(5))
Form J187 advertises that the Liquidation and Distribution Account is lying open for inspection at the Master’s Office and the Magistrate’s Office. The notice runs for 21 days, during which any interested party may inspect the L&D Account and lodge an objection. Like the J193, the J187 must appear in the Government Gazette and an online newspaper.
Form J155 — Acceptance of Trust as Executor
Form J155 is the executor’s formal acceptance of the trust, lodged with the Master after appointment. It does not require publication. It is, however, a prerequisite to placing the J193 advert because creditors must be directed to a properly accepted executor.
Which Master’s forms require publication
Of the standard estate forms, only Form J193 and Form J187 require publication in the Government Gazette and an online newspaper. The remaining forms, including J155, J190 and J243, are administrative and lodged directly with the Master of the High Court without an advertising step.
Where to download the official Master’s forms in South Africa
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development hosts the official Master’s forms. Once you have the correct form, the executor’s task is to complete it accurately, sign it in the official capacity, and arrange publication where the statute requires.
Common errors when working from Master’s forms
Errors usually appear at one of three points: identity numbers transposed from the death certificate, an executor signature dated before the Letters of Executorship are issued or a J193 published outside the deceased’s district circulation requirement. A pre-publication review prevents all three.
Legal Notice Publishing handles the full process for you. Contact jana@legalnotice.co.za or click here.
