When someone whom we love passes away, the last thing the family
needs is stress about the division of the deceased's estate. In
many cases, the deceased passes away intestate (without a will) and
families end up caught up in family feuds over the possessions of
the deceased. This creates difficulties regarding the distribution
of assets of the deceased.
It thus becomes paramount to conclude a will and appoint an
executor prior to death in order for assets to be distributed as
the deceased intended upon death. This makes the process easier for
the family members that remain.
The Executor
An executor is an individual who is specifically nominated in
the will to carry out the wishes of the deceased as stated in
his/her will. This is also referred to as the Executor
Testamentary. However, if there is no will then
the Master will either appoint an executor himself or request that
the family of the deceased nominate a family member as an executor.
Section 19(a) of
