Small Estate Affidavit
Deal with the bank accounts, personal belongings, and other assets of a deceased person without a full executorship when the estate falls below the threshold set by the Master of the High Court. Estates of this size are administered under section 18(3) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, where the Master issues a letter of authority to a representative instead of letters of executorship, and banks and other institutions release the assets to that representative.
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Download Blank TemplateSmall Estate Affidavit Affidavit — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a section 18(3) estate in South Africa?
When the gross value of a deceased estate falls below the threshold set under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 — widely applied at R250,000 — the Master of the High Court does not appoint an executor. Instead the Master issues a letter of authority under section 18(3), which allows the appointed representative (usually the surviving spouse or a close family member) to collect the assets, settle the debts, and distribute what remains to the heirs without a formal executorship.
How do I report a small estate to the Master of the High Court?
The estate must be reported to the Master's office serving the area where the deceased lived, usually within 14 days of the death. You will normally need the death certificate from the Department of Home Affairs, the deceased's ID, a list of the assets and their values, details of the heirs, and the original will if one exists. Once the Master is satisfied the estate falls below the threshold, a letter of authority is issued and no executor's appointment is needed.
How do I make a small estate affidavit affidavit legally valid in South Africa?
Fill in the small estate affidavit affidavit, print it, and sign it in front of a Commissioner of Oaths — do not sign beforehand. Bring your ID document. Commissioning is free at any SAPS police station, and Commissioners of Oaths are also available at banks, post offices, and attorneys' offices.
Is this small estate affidavit affidavit template free?
Yes. You can generate a completed small estate affidavit affidavit PDF or download a blank printable template completely free, with no sign-up required. Your information is used only to generate the document and is not stored after the PDF is created.