Section 18(3) Small Estates: Estates Under R250,000 Explained
Quick Answer
A Section 18(3) estate is a deceased estate worth R250,000 or less. The Master of the High Court may issue letters of authority instead of letters of executorship, and the J193/J187 Gazette adverts are usually not required.
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor, via Wikimedia Commons
The R250,000 Threshold
Section 18(3) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 gives the Master a shortcut for small estates. Where the gross value of the estate is R250,000 or less, the Master may dispense with formal letters of executorship and issue letters of authority to a family member or other suitable person instead. At magistrate service points without a resident estate controller, a lower threshold (R125,000) applies.
Why Small Estates Usually Skip the Gazette
Because the Master directs the simplified administration, the advertising requirements are relaxed: in practice no J193 or J187 advertisement is needed for a Section 18(3) estate, which saves both time and money. The person with letters of authority collects the assets, pays the small debts and distributes the balance under the Master’s direction.
What the Master Still Requires
- The estate must still be reported to the Master within 14 days of the death.
- The J294 death notice and J243 inventory must still be completed.
- The person appointed must accept the Master’s written directions and account to the Master afterwards.
- A will, if one exists, still determines who inherits.
When a Small Estate Still Needs Advertising
If the estate turns out to be worth more than the threshold — for example a policy payout increases the value — the Master will require full administration, letters of executorship and the normal J193 and J187 adverts. If that happens, our flat R400 per advert applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the R250,000 based on assets or the net estate?
The Master looks at the gross value of the assets in the estate when deciding whether the simplified route applies.
Can a bank release money without letters of authority?
Each bank has its own low-value estate process and will require proof of the Master’s direction and the death certificate before releasing smaller balances.
Who inherits if there is no will?
The Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 decides — normally the surviving spouse and children share the estate. Our intestate succession guide sets out the formula.
Request Your Estate Advert
Not sure whether your estate qualifies as a small estate? Send the details below and we will tell you whether any advertising is required — and if it is, it is a flat R400 per advert.
Estate Bigger Than Expected? We Advertise for R400
If the Master requires full administration, the J193 and J187 adverts must run. We handle both for a flat R400 per advert.
nicolette@adminboss.co.za • 074 487 5082
A division of Admin Boss — small-business administration services, South Africa.
Official Resources
- Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965 (official PDF)
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development — Deceased Estates
- How to Report a Deceased Estate to the Master of the High Court
- Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987
Related Guides
- Dying Without a Will: Intestate Succession in South Africa
- Letters of Executorship (Form J190)
- J193 Notice to Creditors
- J187 Liquidation and Distribution Account
- Estate Duty in South Africa
Last updated: 4 October 2026 by Admin Boss – Estate Division, Pretoria. 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.
Related: The requirements to advertise an estate, as set out by the Master of the High Court | J193 and J187 forms in South Africa | Estate notice glossary and FAQs | Estate notice advertising — flat R400 per advert
Admin Boss – Estate Division is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, and assists clients remotely across South Africa — call 074 487 5082.