Administration of Estates Act

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  • Create Date November 17, 2024
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Administration of Estates Act

This Act outlines the legal framework for administering the estates of deceased persons, minors, and absent individuals in Zimbabwe. It covers various aspects, including:

Part I: Preliminary

  • Defines key terms like "Master" and "Assistant Master."

Part II: Master's Office

  • Establishes the role and responsibilities of the Master and other officers.
  • Outlines the office of record for different regions.

Part III: Estates of Deceased Persons

  • Death Notices: Requires the notification of deaths to the Master, Assistant Master, or magistrate.
  • Wills: Covers the deposit, transmission, and registration of wills.
  • Inventories: Outlines the process of creating and submitting inventories of deceased persons' estates.
  • Custody of Estate: Specifies who takes charge of the estate before the appointment of an executor.
  • Letters of Administration: Details the process of granting letters of administration to executors.
  • Duties of Executors: Outlines the responsibilities of executors, including inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate.
  • Estates Under $4000: Provides simplified procedures for small estates.
  • Estates of Persons Not Ordinarily Resident: Addresses the administration of estates of non-residents.

Part IIIA: Estates of Persons Subject to Customary Law

  • Covers inheritance, inheritance plans, and dispute resolution for estates subject to customary law.

Part IV: Estates of Minors and Absent Persons

  • Deals with the appointment and duties of tutors and curators for minors and absent persons.
  • Outlines the management of the Guardian's Fund.

Part V: General

  • Includes provisions on the supervision of executors, tutors, and curators, the Master's powers, and general administrative matters.

This Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for the orderly administration and distribution of deceased estates in Zimbabwe.