"Steps have been taken to ease these problems by giving members of the public access to a public portal with information on the master's office integrated case management system. Information on the portal is updated daily." 

Now members of the public can find out online exactly in which master's office a deceased estate is being administered and obtain the reference number, Basson noted. 

"This is a work in progress," he said. "More information will be available soon, for instance details of the executor and accounts lodged and examined by the master." 

The portal link for members of the public is: 

https://icmsweb.justice.gov.za/mastersinformation 

The module for deceased estates has been developed further than the modules for insolvencies, liquidations, curatorships/guardianships and trusts. 

The project has been initiated and guided by Tienie Cronje, a researcher of the South African Law Reform Commission.

Fisa has welcomed the news, saying it will streamline processes for executors and should lead to a significant improvement to turnaround times for the finalisation of deceased estates in particular. 

Fisa chairperson John Gibson said: "This system will not only improve efficiencies, but will also assist executors in many other ways. 

"A nominated executor will for instance be able to establish whether a later or earlier will was lodged with the master's office before he proceeds with the administration of the estate. 

"This will save time and prevent family members from having to attend unnecessary meetings during a very emotional time."