How to Advertise a Deceased Estate in South Africa
Quick Answer
To advertise a deceased estate in South Africa you place two statutory notices: first the J193 notice to creditors (30 days for claims) and later the J187 account notice (21 days for inspection). Each must appear in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating where the deceased lived.
Why a Deceased Estate Must Be Advertised
When someone passes away, the estate is reported to the Master of the High Court, who appoints an executor to wind it up. The Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 then requires the estate to be advertised twice. These adverts protect everyone: creditors get a fair chance to claim, heirs can check the account before it is finalised, and the executor is protected against claims that were never lodged in time.
Skipping or bungling an advert does not save time — the Master will simply refuse to accept the account until the notice requirements are met, and the estate stalls.
The Two Notices Every Estate Needs
- J193 notice to creditors — published shortly after the executor is appointed. It calls on creditors and debtors to come forward within 30 days (Section 29).
- J187 liquidation and distribution account notice — published once the executor has prepared the account. The account lies open for inspection for 21 days (Section 35(5)).
Both notices must appear in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the district where the deceased ordinarily lived. Our explainers go deeper: the J193 notice and the J187 notice.
Step by Step: How to Advertise a Deceased Estate
- Report the estate to the Master and wait for the letters of executorship (form J190). Advertising before these are issued is wasted money.
- Gather the details: death notice, identity number, last address, date of death, estate number, and the name, physical address and contact details of the executor.
- Draft the J193 notice in the prescribed wording, with a claim period of at least 30 days.
- Publish the J193 in the Government Gazette and in the correct local newspaper for the district.
- Let the 30 days run, receive claims, and settle valid debts from the estate.
- Prepare the account and advertise the J187, then let the 21-day inspection period run before distribution.
Photo: Leo za1, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What It Costs to Advertise an Estate
Costs are made up of the Government Gazette insertion fee (charged per notice length) and the newspaper insertion fee, which varies widely between districts. Admin Boss – Estate Division prepares one fixed quotation covering both publications, so you approve the full cost before anything is submitted.
Common Mistakes That Delay Estates
- Advertising before the letters of executorship are issued.
- Choosing a newspaper that does not circulate in the correct district.
- Leaving out the estate number or misspelling the name of the deceased.
- Allowing fewer than 30 days for claims, or fewer than 21 days for inspection.
- Losing the proof of publication the Master requires with the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is allowed to advertise a deceased estate?
The appointed executor is responsible for the adverts, but an attorney, trust company or specialist agent such as Admin Boss – Estate Division may draft and place them on behalf of the executor.
How much does it cost to advertise a deceased estate?
The cost depends on which newspaper is required for the district and the length of the notice. We prepare a fixed quotation covering the Government Gazette and the newspaper before anything is submitted.
How long does the advertising process take?
The J193 notice usually appears in the next available Friday Government Gazette, after which creditors have 30 days to claim. The J187 advert follows once the account is drafted, with a 21-day inspection period. A straightforward estate usually takes 6 to 12 months in total.
Can I advertise a deceased estate myself?
Yes, but the wording and placement rules are strict: the wrong newspaper district or a missing estate number can force you to re-advertise and delay the estate by weeks. Most executors use an agent to get it right the first time.
What information do I need before advertising?
You need the death notice, the identity number and last address of the deceased, the estate number from the Master, and the name, physical address and contact details of the executor.
Related Guides
- J193 Notice to Creditors — our service page for the 30-day creditor advert
- J187 Liquidation & Distribution Account — our service page for the 21-day account advert
- Deceased Estate Notices Glossary and FAQs — every estate term explained in plain English
- Recent Deceased Estate Notices — notices we have published in recent Gazettes
Official Resources
- Department of Justice: Reporting an Estate — how an estate is reported and an executor appointed
- Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 (PDF) — Sections 29 and 35(5) set out both adverts
- Government Printing Works: Legal Gazettes — download every published Gazette free of charge
Ready to Advertise? Talk to Nicolette
Send us the estate details and we will prepare the notice, a fixed quotation, and the publication plan for the next Friday Government Gazette.
Last reviewed on 2 October 2026 against the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 and the publication requirements of the Government Printing Works. Admin Boss – Estate Division is a notice publication and administrative service, not a law firm; we do not give legal advice.