Author: Leché Swanepoel
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through. Amid the grief, families are also faced with a complex legal and financial process: the winding up of their loved one’s estate. It’s a process that can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are still raw. That’s where deceased estates administrators come in.
I chose this career because I wanted to make this process easier for families. The legal and financial aspects of estate administration can be frustrating, confusing, and, at times, painfully slow. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right knowledge and guidance, the process can be handled efficiently and, most importantly, with compassion.
Becoming a deceased estates administrator doesn’t always follow one set path. Many professionals in this field come from legal, financial, or fiduciary backgrounds. Some have law degrees, paralegal diplomas, or experience in accounting and financial planning. Others gain practical experience through estate administration courses and on-the-job training. What’s most important is a strong understanding of estate law, excellent administrative skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities at once.
I started working as an assistant to a deceased estates administrator in my first year as an LLB student. I worked my way up the career ladder and even did my articles under the same principal who hired me when I was still a student. I studied for the competency-based exams, which is a requirement to be admitted as a legal practitioner in South Africa, by using the study notes offered by Gawie le Roux Institute of Law. I wrote all four of the exams in one go and passed all of them on my first try. And it was all thanks to the incredibly well-thought-out notes from this esteemed institution.
Estates administrators can work in a variety of settings
Law firms, banks, fiduciary companies, and even some accounting firms employ administrators to handle the estate winding-up process. I work at Ehlers & Fakude Inc., a law firm where I get to apply my knowledge in a fast-paced but incredibly supportive environment. Working in a law firm means collaborating with attorneys, executors, and financial institutions to ensure estates are handled efficiently and in accordance with the law.
The role of a deceased estates administrator is both challenging and rewarding. It involves reporting estates to the Master of the High Court, collecting and managing assets, settling outstanding debts, ensuring tax compliance, and distributing inheritances to beneficiaries. Administrators also liaise with banks, SARS, and the Master’s Office to ensure the estate is finalised correctly. Each case is different, requiring attention to detail, legal knowledge, and strong problem-solving skills. The most important part is having open communication with the beneficiaries of the estate, to ensure that they are up to date with the process, and know exactly what to expect.
Attributes an estates administrator should have
Not everyone is suited for this career, but for the right person, it can be incredibly fulfilling. The ideal deceased estates administrator is someone who thrives in a structured environment, is meticulous with administrative work, and has a deep understanding of legal processes. Strong research skills are essential, as estate laws and requirements can be complex. At the same time, this is a people-focused job. Families going through loss need patience, empathy, and clear communication. The ability to balance professionalism with compassion makes a truly great estates administrator.
How much does a deceased estates administrator earn?
In terms of earning potential, salaries in this field vary depending on experience and the employer. Entry-to-mid-level administrators can expect to earn between R120 000.00 and R400 000.00 per year. More experienced administrators handling complex estates can have even greater salary opportunities.
Are there growth opportunities?
There are also many opportunities for career growth. With experience, estates administrators can specialise in complex estate planning, trust administration, or fiduciary consulting. Some move into executive roles, while others take further qualifications to become estate practitioners, fiduciary specialists, or even attorneys.
Conclusion
At its core, this profession is about helping people through one of the most difficult times of their lives. It requires patience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. It can be a truly meaningful career for those who enjoy law, administration, and working with people,
To learn more about wills and estates, register for the webinar series at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law.