What is the J294 Death Notice form?

The J294 is the official Death Notice form required by the Master of the High Court to report a death and open a deceased estate. It must be submitted within 14 days of the death. The form captures details about the deceased, their surviving spouse, heirs, and assets, enabling the Master's office to determine how the estate should be administered.

Who must submit the J294?

Any person who has knowledge of the death and is able to provide the required information may submit the J294. In practice it is typically submitted by a surviving spouse, adult child, other close family member, or the appointed attorney/executor. The person submitting signs the form as the "reporter" and takes responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

Where do I submit the J294?

Submit the J294 to the Master of the High Court whose area of jurisdiction covers where the deceased lived in the 12 months preceding death. South Africa has Masters' offices in every High Court seat: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Kimberley, Makhanda (Grahamstown), Mahikeng, Polokwane, Thohoyandou, Pietermaritzburg, Bhisho, Mthatha, and Mbombela (Nelspruit).

What documents must I submit with the J294?

Along with the completed J294 you must submit: a certified copy of the death certificate (BI-1663), a certified copy of the deceased's ID document or passport, a certified copy of any will (if one exists), proof of the deceased's assets (such as a bank statement or title deed), and the original or certified copy of the deceased's marriage certificate (if married). If there is no will, additional forms (such as a J192 Affidavit) are required.

What is the difference between a formal estate and an informal estate?

A formal estate is one with assets exceeding R250,000, and requires appointment of an executor by the Master — a more complex process involving letters of executorship, liquidation and distribution account, and advertising to creditors. An informal estate (assets under R250,000) is administered under Section 18(3) of the Administration of Estates Act — faster and simpler, handled with a Section 18(3) certificate. The J294 is submitted for both types.

What happens after I submit the J294?

The Master's office registers the estate and assigns an estate number. If the estate is informal (under R250,000), a Section 18(3) certificate is issued allowing a nominated person to collect and distribute the estate assets without a full executor process. For formal estates, the Master reviews submissions and appoints an executor (or confirms the nominated executor), who is then issued letters of executorship.

Does the J294 need to be signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths?

The J294 declaration section requires the reporter's signature confirming the information is true and correct. While the form itself does not have a formal commissioner of oaths block, related affidavits (such as the J192) do require commissioning. It is best practice to sign the J294 at the Master's office in the presence of a clerk, or to have it witnessed by an attorney or commissioner of oaths before submission.

What if the deceased left a will — does it change the J294 process?

Yes. If a will exists, attach a certified copy (or the original if you have it) to your J294 submission. The will names the executor and beneficiaries, which the Master takes into account when processing the estate. If no will exists (intestate estate), the Intestate Succession Act determines the heirs, and the J294 must reflect all surviving heirs according to that Act.

Can FillMeIn help me fill the J294?

Yes. FillMeIn lets you fill the J294 online for free, with guidance on every field and SA-specific validation. Your data never leaves your device — we generate the PDF locally in your browser. All deceased estate forms (J294, J190, J192, J155, J262, J243) are available on FillMeIn to help you complete the full estate administration package.

J294 — Death Notice

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development · Verified 1 May 2026