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Advome South African legal workflow intelligence
Master’s Office lodgement

Prepare the covering letter and lodge the estate file.

This page helps the user draft the covering letter, confirm attachments, keep a stamped copy for proof of application, and move the file toward the letter of executorship or authority.

This module provides procedural assistance and legal information for estate administration. It does not provide legal advice.

1. Covering letter builder

Tell the user what to write, what to attach, and how to keep a stamped copy for proof of lodgement.

Drafting

The letter should say

  • What is being applied for
  • Who the deceased is
  • Who is lodging the file
  • What documents are attached
  • The estate reference and contact details

Proof of application

  • Print two copies
  • Lodge one copy
  • Keep one stamped copy
  • Store the stamp as proof of lodgement

2. Document checklist

Keep the required reporting pack visible before the user lodges.

Death certificate
Attached / pending
Death notice
Attached / pending
Next-of-kin details
Attached / pending
ID copies
Attached / pending
Will / codicils
Yes / no / pending
Master’s Office copy
Stamped copy pending

3. Route selection

The engine should help the user choose the correct appointment route.

If there is a will

  • Apply for Letter of Executorship
  • Confirm the named executor
  • Attach the will and supporting forms

If no will or a small estate route applies

  • Apply for Letter of Authority
  • Confirm the smaller administrative route
  • Use the correct forms for that route

4. Master’s Office submission status

The page should show whether the file has actually been lodged and what still needs to happen after lodgement.

Submission state

  • Lodged: No / yes
  • Stamped copy obtained: No / yes
  • Master queried file: No / yes
  • Appointment outcome pending: Yes

What the user should do

  • Track queue or appointment
  • Keep stamped proof safe
  • Respond to any Master query
  • Move to appointment outcome page

5. What comes next

After lodgement, the file should branch into the appointment outcome and then the administration stage.

Ready for appointment
Next page Continue to the appointment outcome page where the letter of executorship or authority is issued, then move into the administration and bank account stage.

6. Questions panel

The user should be able to ask lodgement questions directly from this page.

What goes in the covering letter?

It should state what is being applied for, what is attached, and who the deceased and applicant are.

Why do I need a stamped copy?

The stamped copy is proof that the file was lodged with the Master’s Office.

What if the Master asks for more documents?

The file should stay marked incomplete until the missing items are added and resubmitted.

Do I need executorship or authority?

The correct route depends on the will, the estate structure, and the appointment path chosen by the Master.