Placing a Form 187 advert is a compulsory step in the administration of a deceased estate in South Africa. This advert, officially known as the “Liquidation and Distribution Accounts in Deceased Estates Lying for Inspection”, is required under Section 35(5) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965.
It informs the public that the Liquidation and Distribution (L&D) Account has been approved by the Master of the High Court and is available for inspection for 21 days.
ALSO READ: How to place a Form J193 advert (Notice to Creditors in Deceased Estates)
What the Form 187 Advert Does
The Form 187 advert serves one essential purpose:
To notify creditors, heirs and any interested parties that the L&D account is open for inspection and that they may lodge objections with the Master if necessary.
- When is it placed?
Only after the Master of the High Court has formally approved the Liquidation and Distribution Account for inspection. - Why is it important?
It ensures transparency and protects the rights of all parties involved in the estate.
Step-by-Step: How to Place a Form 187 Advert
Modern Master’s Directives now recognise digital publication, making the process faster and more accessible.
1. Confirm the Master’s Approval
You may not place the advert before the Master has given written confirmation that the L&D Account is accepted for inspection.
Without this approval, the advert is invalid.
2. Compile the Required Information
The Form 187 advert must contain accurate and complete information. These details come directly from your Form J187 submitted to the Government Gazette.
Incorrect or incomplete details can delay the estate.
3. Choose a Compliant Publication Method
According to the most recent directives, the notice must be published where nationwide access is possible.
The most efficient method today is through a professional online legal notice publisher, such as:
Publishing online ensures:
- National visibility
- A verifiable timestamped record
- Full compliance with the Master’s requirements
4. Submit Your Notice for Publication
When using Legal Notice Publishing, the process is streamlined:
- Request a Quote
Ask for the Form 187 service and the information checklist. - Submit Your Information
Send either the completed text or the details from your J187. The team formats it professionally and ensures compliance. - Approve the Proof
You receive a digital proof to check all names, dates and estate details before publishing. - Government Gazette Submission
You can choose:- Let LegalNotice.co.za place the Gazette submission for you; or
- Submit to the Gazette yourself.
5. File the Proof with the Master
Once the advert is published, you will receive:
- A PDF tear sheet (proof of publication)
- A live URL linking to the published notice
This proof must be submitted to the Master of the High Court to confirm compliance with Section 35(5).
The estate cannot progress without this step.
Benefits of Using LegalNotice.co.za for Your Form 187 Advert
Using a specialist service ensures accuracy, speed and compliance.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Legal compliance | Ensures the advert meets the requirements of the Administration of Estates Act and Master’s Directives. |
| National reach | Visible across South Africa for maximum accessibility. |
| Fast turnaround | Notices are processed and published quickly, preventing delays. |
| Verifiable proof | Timestamped evidence helps you meet Master’s Office requirements. |
Ready to Place Your Form 187 Advert?
Legal Notice Publishing handles:
✔ Formatting
✔ Proofreading
✔ Government Gazette submission
✔ Nuusflits online publication
✔ Proof of publication for the Master
Fast. Compliant. Professional.
