Even with a well-drafted will, disputed claims in an estate can delay the finalisation of a deceased estate and create conflict among beneficiaries. In South Africa, claims like maintenance obligations or accrual rights often survive death and must be addressed by the executor. Proper estate planning, with the guidance of an experienced advisor, helps prevent disputes and safeguards your legacy. In this article, we look at typical disputes that can arise in a deceased estate, and which should be anticipated and planned for.

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and loved ones are provided for. It establishes clarity, legal certainty, and peace of mind. However, even a carefully structured estate plan is not immune to disputes. In South Africa, disputed claims can significantly disrupt the administration of a deceased estate, and they often lead to prolonged delays, increase legal and administrative costs, and strain relationships among surviving family members. A clear understanding of the nature of these claims and thoughtful planning to address and prevent them is a vital component of any comprehensive estate plan.

It should be noted that a disputed claim is not limited to a person alleging they are owed money. In legal terms, a creditor is any person who claims anything from the estate; this includes maintenance, contractual entitlements, or property rights. One of the most common causes of disputes involves maintenance obligations that extend beyond death. A deceased person may have been legally responsible for maintaining a spouse, minor children, or even a previous spouse. These obligations do not simply fall away when the individual passes away. A divorce decree or maintenance order remains enforceable against the estate and can significantly affect the inheritance value of other beneficiaries. This often leads to friction, particularly when heirs feel that their inheritance is being diminished by claims they were not expecting.

Another significant area of dispute relates to the deceased’s marital status and the property consequences flowing from that relationship. In South Africa, the marital regime under which a person was married can have a direct impact on the estate. If the deceased was married out of community of property with the accrual system, and the surviving spouse is not the sole beneficiary, that spouse may be entitled to lodge an accrual claim against the estate. These types of claims are perfectly valid under the Matrimonial Property Act 88 of 1984 and must be settled before any distributions to heirs can take place. The situation can become even more complicated in blended families or where the deceased was married more than once or had children from previous relationships. Without proper planning, such complexities create a fertile ground for conflict.

Before any claim can be submitted, the estate must first be formally registered, and letters of executorship must be issued by the Master of the High Court. Once this is done, creditors and other claimants must submit their claims in writing to the executor within a specific period after the executor has published a notice calling all persons to lodge their claims. The executor is then required to assess the claim and notify the claimant whether the claim has been accepted or rejected. If rejected, reasons must be provided, and the executor is entitled to request supporting documentation or further evidence. In some cases, with the Master’s approval, the executor may require the claimant to appear under oath before a magistrate or the Master of the High Court to be questioned about the claim. This investigative process ensures that only valid claims are accepted and paid from the estate.

Where a claim is unreasonably rejected, the law provides a remedy in that the claimant may initiate legal action against the estate, although this step should ideally be avoided due to the cost and time involved. Litigation, while sometimes necessary, often diminishes the estate’s value and adds emotional strain to already grieving families. Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation or mediation, are encouraged where possible and can be effective in resolving disagreements before they escalate into court proceedings.

It’s important to remember that the death of a loved one is, in itself, a traumatic event. The added burden of legal disputes, claims, and uncertainty only deepens the emotional effect thereof. In many instances, these conflicts are preventable by taking time to develop a comprehensive estate plan that also considers such additional obligations the estate may have. South African law offers protections to both creditors and beneficiaries, but the onus remains on the testator to communicate openly with their attorney and disclose all potential claims that may arise.

Ultimately, estate planning is not merely about drafting a will, but involves a holistic view of your personal, legal, and financial affairs. When done properly, your estate plan can help avoid disputes, ensure compliance with the law, and preserve your legacy for future generations. 

But things are apt to change, and new obligations arise constantly in life. This means that, as well-crafted as your estate plan may have been when created, it must be regularly reviewed and updated to accommodate these changing circumstances.


Disclaimer: This article is the personal opinion/view of the author(s) and does not necessarily present the views of the firm. The content is provided for information only and should not be seen as an exact or complete exposition of the law. Accordingly, no reliance should be placed on the content for any reason whatsoever, and no action should be taken on the basis thereof unless its application and accuracy have been confirmed by a legal advisor. The firm and author(s) cannot be held liable for any prejudice or damage resulting from action taken based on this content without further written confirmation by the author(s).