J187 liquidation and distribution account in Butterworth
Quick Answer
The J187 liquidation and distribution account must be published in the Government Gazette and a newspaper or approved online publication for estates in Butterworth. It opens a 21-day period for the public and heirs to inspect the account and lodge objections. Admin Boss – Estate Division is based in Pretoria, Gauteng and places it for a flat R400 per advert — assisting clients remotely across South Africa.
Image: Michal Maňas, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
If the estate of someone who lived in Butterworth has reached the account stage, the J187 liquidation and distribution account cannot be skipped. It must appear in the Friday Government Gazette and a publication circulating in the district. We handle both legs for a flat R400 per advert.
Why This Advertisement Matters for a Butterworth Estate
For families in Butterworth this advert is usually the only step that involves the public at all. Done properly it runs once, the period elapses, and the estate moves to distribution.
What the Law Requires for a J187 Notice
- Publication in the Government Gazette (published every Friday by the Government Printing Works).
- Publication in a newspaper — we use The Citizen, which advertises throughout South Africa and online — or an approved online publication under Chief Master Directive 1 of 2025, circulating in the district where the deceased ordinarily lived.
- Prescribed J187 wording, including the estate number and the executor’s details.
- A 21-day period running from publication, per Section 35(5) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965.
The Master’s Office for Butterworth
Butterworth falls under the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Mthatha or Bisho Master’s Office, depending on where the deceased lived. The estate number for your advert is issued by that office once the estate is reported — we verify the number on the estate file before anything is lodged, so the Gazette does not reject the notice.
If the Butterworth estate includes minor heirs, the Guardian’s Fund or a trust arrangement is noted in the account before it is advertised.
What Does a J187 Advert Cost in Butterworth?
Every advert includes drafting in the prescribed wording, placement and proof of publication for the Master’s file:
| Option | Price | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Government Gazette advert | R400 | Friday Government Gazette placement plus the district newspaper or approved online publication, drafting and proof of publication. |
| National newspaper advert | R400 | The same notice placed in The Citizen newspaper, read across all nine provinces and online, with drafting and proof of publication. |
| Gazette + national newspaper package | R750 — save R50 | Both placements for the same notice — full legal coverage plus national reach — for R750 instead of R800. |
How to Get Your J187 Notice Placed
- Send the estate details using the form below, or email them to nicolette@adminboss.co.za.
- We draft the notice in the prescribed wording and email it to you for approval.
- We lodge with the Government Printing Works and book the Butterworth-district publication.
- You receive proof of publication for the Master’s file.
Request Your Estate Advert
Complete the form below and Nicolette will reply with the draft notice and the next available Friday Gazette date — or call / WhatsApp 074 487 5082.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a J187 advert cost in Butterworth?
A flat R400 per advert — in the Government Gazette or in The Citizen national newspaper. The Gazette plus Citizen package for the same notice is R750. Drafting, placement and proof of publication are included.
Where must the notice be published for a Butterworth estate?
In the Government Gazette and in a newspaper or approved online publication circulating in the district where the deceased ordinarily lived.
How long is the J187 period?
The notice opens a 21-day period from the date of publication, as required by Section 35(5) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965.
Related Pages
- J187 liquidation and distribution account — full service details
- J193 notice to creditors in Butterworth
- J187 notices for every city and town in South Africa
- The requirements to advertise an estate, as set out by the Master of the High Court
- Estate notice glossary and FAQs
- Proof of publication, explained
Official Resources
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development — Deceased Estates
- Master of the High Court — Official Estate Forms (J-forms)
- Chief Master’s Directives (incl. Directive 1 of 2025)
- GPW — Legal Gazettes (free downloads)
- Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 (official PDF)
Last updated: 28 October 2026 by Admin Boss – Estate Division, Pretoria, Gauteng — assisting clients remotely across South Africa. Questions? Call 074 487 5082 or email nicolette@adminboss.co.za. Admin Boss – Estate Division is a notice publication and administrative service, not a law firm; we do not give legal advice.