Losing a loved one is a profoundly personal and challenging journey. In the midst of grief, the added responsibility of managing complex financial affairs and legal requirements can feel overwhelming.At Louwrens Koen Attorneys, we specialize in deceased estate administration across South Africa. Our mission is to provide a seamless, dignified process that ensures your loved one’s legacy is handled with the utmost care, efficiency, and legal precision.
Our Comprehensive Estate Services
We provide tailored solutions for estates of all sizes, ensuring strict adherence to the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. Our team handles the administrative burden so you can focus on what matters most.
Key Service Areas:
- Estate Reporting: We facilitate the formal notification to the Master of the High Court, preparing the Death Notice and preliminary inventory within the mandatory 14-day period.
- Executor Appointments: We secure Letters of Executorship (estates over R250,000) or Letters of Authority (estates under R250,000) to grant the legal power required to manage assets.
- Asset & Debt Management: Our team identifies, secures, and values all assets—from immovable property to investments—while settling all valid estate liabilities.
- Liquidation & Distribution (L&D) Accounts: We prepare meticulous formal reports for the Master’s approval, ensuring transparency in how assets are collected and debts are discharged.
- Tax & Legal Compliance: We manage all SARS obligations, including Estate Duty, Income Tax, and Capital Gains Tax, to obtain necessary clearances.
- Property Transfers: We oversee the legal registration of property transfers to ensure heirs receive their rightful inheritance.
Understanding the Process: Small vs. Large Estates
The administrative path is determined by the total gross value of the deceased’s assets:
| Feature | Small Estates (Under R250,000) | Large Estates (Over R250,000) |
| Legal Document | Letters of Authority | Letters of Executorship |
| Process | Simplified; often no formal L&D account required. | Formal process involving advertising for creditors. |
| Timeline | Generally faster; fewer statutory requirements. | 6–18 months; requires 21-day public inspection. |
Transparent & Regulated Fees
We believe in financial clarity during difficult times. Our fees are strictly aligned with South African statutory regulations:
- Executor’s Remuneration: Capped at 3.5% of the gross estate value and 6% of income earned after death.
- Small Estates: Support for Master’s Representative appointments starts at a competitive R2,500.
- External Disbursements: We provide clear guidance on third-party costs, such as Master’s fees (capped at R7,000), valuation fees, and mandatory Government Gazette advertisements.
Why Choose Louwrens Koen Attorneys?
Led by Louwrens Koen (admitted as an attorney in 1995), our firm blends decades of legal tradition with a modern, tech-enabled approach to law.
- Proven Expertise: Deep specialization in South African estate law and tax compliance.
- Efficiency-Driven: We use electronic systems to minimize delays and expedite the distribution process.
- Personal Support: Our dedicated specialists, including Hanelie De Beer, offer empathetic guidance at every milestone.
How to Get Started
We prioritize inquiries received through our digital platform to ensure a swift response.
- Enquire Online: Complete our [Secure Estate Administration Form] for a no-obligation assessment.
- Expert Consultation: After reviewing your details, we will contact you to provide a focused consultation and outline the roadmap for the estate.
Contact Details
- Email: admin@louwrens-koen.co.za | info@louwrenskoen.co.za
- Phone: +27-870010733
- Office: 416 Kirkness Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa