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Tracking Deceased Estates in South Africa 2026

Q: How long does it take for a deceased estate to appear online?

Typically, a deceased estate will reflect on the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS) within 2 to 5 working days after it has been formally reported to the Master's Office.

Q: What is a URN code in the Master's Office portal?

The URN (Unique Reference Number) is a specific alphanumeric code assigned to each estate file. It allows the Master's Office and executors to track the progress of the estate administration digitally.

Q: What should I do if the estate isn't listed on the ICMS?

Verify the spelling of the surname and the ID number. If it has been more than a week since reporting, contact the specific Master's Office where the documents were lodged.

Planning Tip: Calculate the potential costs of this estate using our Estate Duty Calculator.

Start by creating a task list for managing the deceased estate. Not only can you report deceased estates online, but estates can also be tracked via the Master's Office case management system portal.

Next Steps - Found the Estate?

Once located, the administration phase begins. You may need assistance with:

Professional Wind-up: Get expert help with deceased estate assistance (2.5% fee).
Property Transfers: Calculate the transfer costs for deceased estates.
Final Compliance: Use the Estate Duty Checklist to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Helping dozens of families a month navigate the Master's Office process. Contact Estate Lawyer

Lawyer tracking a deceased estate online

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a deceased estate to appear online?

Typically 2 to 5 working days after reporting to the Master's Office. If it hasn't appeared after 7 days, contact the relevant office directly.

What is a URN code in the Master's Office portal?

A Unique Reference Number assigned to each estate file to track progress digitally on the ICMS.

What should I do if the estate isn't listed on the ICMS?

Double-check search criteria. If correct, the file may not have been captured yet or the specific office is experiencing delays.

Family, Estate & notarial legal services

Deceased Estate Information

If a relative has died, perhaps without a will, and you are unsure of what to do:

Report deceased estate to the Master online
Steps to take when your parent dies without a will.
- Applying for a death certificate
- J192 form - next-of-kin
- Nomination to act as executor
Lawyers in Cape Town specialising in deceased estates.
Administrators in Cape Town for deceased estates.
Letter of executorship requirements in South Africa.
- J192 form - next-of-kin (if no will)
- Nomination to act as executor (if no will)
- J190 form assistance
Administration of deceased estates in South Africa.
Property transfer cost in a deceased estate.
Inheritance and child maintenance obligations.
Intestate Succession Act
Tracking deceased estates
Death of a spouse before divorce is finalised

Wills

How to write a will.
Example of a last will and testament.
Get your will drafted for free (by a lawyer).
List of lawyers that draft wills in Cape Town.
Consider updating your will when these events occur:
- when divorcing; to avoid your ex-spouse possibly inheriting everything.
- death of somebody mentioned in your will,
- the birth of a child you may want to include in your will,
- marriages

Connect with a Deceased Estate Expert today

Deceased Estate discussion forum

Note that this is a public forum - exercise caution before acting on info and use at own risk. Anybody may ask and answer, and you don't know what their level of expertise is. No information on this website should be acted on without first consulting with a lawyer to test its validity. Do not share private details here.

Legal Compliance Alert

🔒 Liquidity Risk: Bank accounts are typically frozen immediately upon death. Contact our specialists to begin the process of releasing funds for maintenance and costs.