What is the J192 form?

The J192 — "Affidavit: Particulars of Next-of-Kin" — is a sworn statement listing the surviving relatives of a deceased person. It is submitted to the Master of the High Court alongside the J294 Death Notice when an estate is reported, so the Master can identify the heirs entitled to inherit under the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 (where there is no will) or verify the family structure where a will exists.

Who completes the J192?

The J192 is completed by the deponent — a family member with personal knowledge of the deceased's relatives. This is typically the surviving spouse, an adult child, parent, or sibling of the deceased. The deponent must sign the affidavit in front of a Commissioner of Oaths to swear that the listed next-of-kin is true and complete.

What is a Commissioner of Oaths and where do I find one?

A Commissioner of Oaths is a person officially authorised to administer oaths and witness sworn statements. In South Africa, commissioners include police officers at most SAPS stations, bank branch managers and senior bank staff, attorneys, certain post office officials, and magistrate court officials. The commissioning is free of charge at SAPS stations and most banks. You must sign the affidavit in the commissioner's presence — not before.

When is the J192 required?

The J192 is required whenever the deceased died intestate (left no valid will) — for both formal estates and small estates handled under Section 18(3) — so the Master of the High Court can determine who inherits under the Intestate Succession Act. It is submitted alongside the J294 Death Notice when the estate is reported. If the deceased left a valid will, the Master does not require this affidavit.

What information does the J192 ask for?

The J192 asks for the deponent's full names and residential address, the deceased's full names, place and date of death, and the names of every category of next-of-kin: the surviving spouse, children (with dates of birth), predeceased children (with dates of death), parents, brothers and sisters (full or half blood, with addresses and dates of birth), and the children of any deceased siblings. Categories with no relatives are completed with the word "NONE".

Do all heirs need to sign separate J192 affidavits?

No — only one J192 is required for the estate, sworn by a single deponent (usually the closest family member). The exception is predeceased children: the form requires a separate J192 for each predeceased child of the deceased, listing that child's own surviving descendants. Other heirs do not each sign their own affidavits.

What if I don't know about a relative?

Only swear to facts you personally know. Speak to other family members before completing the affidavit — false statements under oath are a criminal offence. If a previously unknown heir is discovered after submission (for example, a child from an earlier relationship), the Master can require a supplementary affidavit. Omitting a known relative is far more serious than declaring "unknown" or asking the Master for guidance.

Can I fill the J192 on FillMeIn before going to the Commissioner of Oaths?

Yes — and this is the recommended approach. Fill in all the details on FillMeIn, download the PDF, then take the completed (but unsigned) form to a Commissioner of Oaths. Sign it in the commissioner's presence. Do not sign the J192 before visiting the commissioner, as an unwitnessed signature invalidates the affidavit.

What is the difference between the J192 and a J294?

The J294 is the Death Notice — the form that reports the death and opens the estate at the Master's Office. The J192 is the sworn affidavit listing the deceased's next-of-kin. They are separate documents submitted together: the J294 is completed by the reporter of death and gives the deceased's biographical details; the J192 is sworn by a family member and identifies who the heirs are.

J192 — Affidavit: Particulars of Next-of-Kin

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

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