Handling the administration of a deceased estate has never been a simple process, and in recent years, delays and inefficiencies at the Master’s Office have added to the stress for grieving families. That’s why the launch of the new Master’s Deceased Estate Online Registration system marks an important step forward in modernising the way estates are reported and managed in South Africa.

For the first time, individuals, legal practitioners, fiduciary professionals, and financial services providers can register and track the progress of deceased estates online—without needing to queue at the Master’s Office. The system is accessible via dojonline.justice.gov.za.

What has changed?

The new system enables users to:

• Register estates online from anywhere in the world
• Upload documentation and complete reporting forms digitally
• Book appointments electronically if an in-person visit is needed (e.g. to lodge the original will)
• Receive status updates via email or SMS
• Track progress through the ICMS Master Web portal
• Validate Letters of Authority or Executorship using embedded QR codes

These are welcome developments, particularly for clients in remote areas or those who previously had to travel long distances to lodge documents. Importantly, built-in verification processes help mitigate the risk of fraud, while human oversight at the back end ensures accuracy before official letters are issued.

What remains a challenge?

While we are optimistic about the direction this digital shift represents, we are still seeing errors and delays in issuing Letters of Executorship or Authority. Promises of a 21-day turnaround time to issue Letters of Executorship or Authority still remain a challenge in most Masters’ Offices. Staff shortages, as well as an outdated technological infrastructure, add to the delays. Information about the deceased person is cross verified with the Department of Home Affairs and CIPC, and these systems are regularly offline. The process is also not entirely online as the original will needs to be lodged in person.

At Chartered Legacy & Trust, we are already engaging with the new platform where appropriate. It is a great initiative, and we support the department as they try to improve their processes and systems. However, as with any transition to digital platforms, there will be a settling-in period. We are proactive in our feedback to the Master and continue to work closely with our clients to manage expectations and support them through this stressful and, too often, frustrating process.