What is the J155 form?

The J155 is the "Undertaking and Acceptance of Master's Directions" form submitted to the Master of the High Court for small deceased estates with a gross value not exceeding R250,000 — the Section 18(3) procedure under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. The Master uses the J155 to appoint a Master's Representative who collects and distributes the estate, rather than going through the full executor-appointment process used for formal estates.

What is a Master's Representative and how is that different from an executor?

A Master's Representative is appointed under Section 18(3) for small estates (≤ R250,000) and receives letters of authority — a streamlined appointment that lets them collect and distribute the estate without the full administration process. An executor (testamentary or dative) is appointed under Section 14 for formal estates and receives letters of executorship, with full reporting and accounting duties to the Master. The J155 is for the Section 18(3) Master's Representative path; formal-estate executor appointments use the J190 instead.

Who typically submits the J155?

The J155 is submitted by the person applying to be appointed as the Master's Representative — typically a surviving spouse, adult child, or other heir willing to administer the small estate. The applicant must be a South African resident and must not be sequestrated or disqualified from acting in a fiduciary capacity. Many families submit it themselves; an attorney or fiduciary professional can also be nominated.

What happens after I submit the J155?

The Master reviews the J155 alongside the J294 (Death Notice), J243 (Inventory), the death certificate, and any will. If the estate value is confirmed as ≤ R250,000 and the applicant is suitable, the Master issues letters of authority appointing them as the Master's Representative under Section 18(3). You cannot legally collect or distribute estate assets until the letters of authority are issued.

Do I need a bond of security when submitting the J155?

No — one of the main advantages of the Section 18(3) route (J155) for small estates is that no bond of security is required. The bond of security (J262) applies to formal estates above R250,000 where the Master issues full letters of executorship through the J190 process. If the estate qualifies for Section 18(3) (gross value ≤ R250,000), you submit the J155 without a J262.

Can I appoint an agent to manage the estate on my behalf?

Yes. The J155 includes an agent section where you can designate another person — such as an attorney, accountant, or family member — to act on your behalf in the day-to-day administration of the estate. You remain the legally responsible executor; the agent acts with your authority. This is common when the executor lives in a different city from the estate assets.

What is a Section 18(3) certificate and is it related to the J155?

A Section 18(3) certificate is issued by the Master of the High Court for informal estates with assets under R250,000. It authorises a nominated person to collect and distribute the estate without going through the full executor appointment process. The J155 and related forms are still submitted to the Master, who then issues the Section 18(3) certificate instead of full letters of executorship. The process is faster and simpler than a formal estate administration.

Is the J155 the same as the J190?

No — they are used for different estate types and are not submitted together. The J155 is for Section 18(3) small estates (gross value ≤ R250,000): the person appointed is a Master's Representative and receives letters of authority. The J190 is for formal estates (over R250,000): the person appointed is an executor and receives full letters of executorship. You submit one or the other depending on the estate value — not both.

J155 — Undertaking and Acceptance of Master's Directions

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development · Verified 15 June 2026