For years, publishing a deceased estate notice meant dealing with newspaper offices, long lead times and unclear pricing. But a new directive from the Chief Master of the High Court has changed everything: you can now publish estate notices online – legally and efficiently.
Whether you’re a private executor, fiduciary specialist, or attorney, this digital shift saves time and ensures full compliance.
What is a deceased estate notice?
When someone passes away, the estate must go through a legal winding-up process. A key part of this involves publishing two notices:
- A Section 29 notice, which invites creditors to lodge any claims
- A Section 35 notice, which announces the inspection period for the liquidation and distribution account
These notices are required by law and must be placed in both the Government Gazette and a newspaper that circulates in the deceased’s district.
You can now publish legally online
Thanks to the Chief Master’s Directive 1 of 2025, estate notices no longer have to appear in traditional printed newspapers. As long as they’re published on a qualifying digital platform that meets specific legal criteria, they are fully valid.
This is especially important in rural areas, where printed newspapers are in decline — and digital publishing offers a reliable, fast alternative.
LegalNotice.co.za is fully compliant
One of the first platforms to meet these standards is LegalNotice.co.za — a specialist service that formats, edits, and publishes legally compliant estate notices within 24–48 hours.
The notices appear in both English and Afrikaans, include proof of publication, and can also be submitted to the Government Gazette if needed.
Who uses digital estate notice publishing?
- Attorneys handling deceased estates
- Fiduciary and trust companies
- Executors acting on behalf of family members
- Anyone needing a compliant, affordable alternative to expensive print ads
Ready to publish?
Whether you’re finalising a Section 29 or Section 35 notice, online publishing is now not only possible — it’s preferred.
Visit LegalNotice.co.za to get started or email placement@legalnotice.co.za for professional assistance.
Tip: Save time and ensure legal compliance — go digital with your next estate notice.
