It is important that we all keep our affairs in order to assist our loved ones when we pass away.
This article serves as a simple guide to assist you in collating the relevant information that your executor will require on your passing.
- Safe and Known Place for Documents
It is important that all of your original documents are kept in a safe place (such as a safe) and that this location is known to your next-of-kin and/or executor.
- Identity Document
It is important that you always make sure you keep an identity document, and that you replace it if it is lost, as a copy of your identity document must be submitted to the Master’s Office once you have passed away.
- Tax
It is important to leave a record of your tax number or of your accountant who deals with your taxes. This will assist your executor in accessing your SARS e-filing to settle any outstanding tax returns or claim any outstanding tax refunds and to obtain deceased tax clearance.
- Original Will
It is important to keep your original Will in a safe and known place as the original needs to be submitted to the Master on your passing. The Master does not accept copies.
- Guardian Nomination
If you have minor children it is important that you have a Will that nominates a guardian in your stead should you pass away.
- Any Marriage Certificate and Divorce Order
It is important that you have a copy of your marriage certificate, any antenuptial contracts and any divorce orders and that these are kept in a safe and known place as your executor will require these upon your passing.
- List of institutions
It is very helpful for your executor for you to keep a list of institutions that you hold assets with. You do not need to provide any further details other than the institution’s name. Your executor will then know to contact this institution with your identity number and will then be able to obtain further details of any accounts held at such institution.
- Social Media Passwords
In the age of social media, if you would like your social media accounts to be deleted on your passing, we suggest that you leave a list of your social media accounts and the login details to someone that you trust to enable them to delete your accounts.