Dr Samantha Smith is STBB's chief Content Writer and Legal Editor. She graduated with a BSocSci, LLB, LLM, and PhD (Law) from the University of Cape Town. Skilled in socio-legal analysis, critical thinking, and creative and technical writing, she previously worked in investigative legal research, with a special focus on animal law and environmental policy. As of February 2024, Samantha handles all STBB content. This includes brainstorming and writing all social media, newsflashes, newsletters, digital and print advertisements, magazine articles, and all webinar and podcast write-ups. Additionally, she attends to tenders and proposals, legal updates and presentations, biographies, brochures, information sheets, content for special projects, and various other digital publications and communications.

Blog | Less stress, more support: Estate administration simplified with STBB

Administering a deceased estate can be complicated, cumbersome, and overwhelming – especially for inexperienced executors. But, it doesn’t have to be.

When it comes to winding up a loved one’s estate or planning your own affairs, choosing the right professional is imperative. At STBB, we understand that estate administration is more than just paperwork — it’s about ensuring that your testamentary wishes or those of your loved ones are honoured and executed smoothly and efficiently.

To that end, our estate experts handle every step of the process with care, professionalism, and precision. We liaise with all relevant institutions, government departments, creditors, and debtors to ensure that every estate is administered smoothly and in full compliance with all legal requirements. Our services extend to estate conveyancing, the registration and management of testamentary trusts (where applicable), and offering sound legal guidance throughout.

At present, our team, headed by Director and respected estate law specialist, Refqah Ho-Yee, is composed of five attorneys, four senior estate administrators, three secretaries, and two candidate attorneys. Three members of our team visit the Master’s Office up to three times a week — the maximum permitted — often queuing from 6am to ensure matters are dealt with swiftly. Additionally, we act as correspondent attorneys and agents for other law firms, accountants, and financial advisors.

As part of our commitment to efficient and diligent client service, we offer free safekeeping of wills, title deeds, and trust deeds. For offshore heirs and trust beneficiaries, we assist in the secure repatriation of funds in partnership with trusted forex providers. In addition, we advise on complex estate-related matters, including life rights, shareblocks, usufructs, and succession planning for shareholders and directors.

Whether you are a non-professional executor in need of expert assistance or planning your affairs to safeguard your legacy for the benefit of your loved ones, STBB offers you a full suite of trusted legal support and guidance.

Contact our estate specialists at estates@stbb.co.za and let us take care of all the legal complexities from start to finish.

This content is the property of STBB. We encourage the sharing of our content for informational purposes. However, if you wish to copy or reproduce our content on your own platform or website, please ensure that proper credit is given to STBB.

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