Register an Inter Vivos Family Trust in Pretoria
Bespoke trust deed, Master's Office registration, and Letters of Authority — R12,500 all-inclusive. No hidden fees.
All-Inclusive. Fixed Fee.
Not included
You will need to appoint an independent trustee. We'll explain what this means and what to look for during your consultation.
Registering your trust with SARS is a separate process. We can advise you on this during your consultation.
How It Works
Submit Your Inquiry
Complete the form below with your details. We'll respond within 24 hours to schedule your consultation.
Online Consultation
We discuss your trust objectives, advise on the appropriate structure, and confirm the way forward.
Trust Deed & Registration
We draft a bespoke trust deed tailored to your requirements and lodge it with the Pretoria Master's Office.
Letters of Authority
Within 7–10 working days of submission, the Master issues Letters of Authority to your appointed trustees.
Who This Service Is For
This service is designed for Pretoria-based individuals and families who want to set up an inter vivos family trust with the guidance of an experienced attorney. Common reasons our clients register a trust include:
Asset Protection
Protect family assets from personal creditor claims and business risk.
Estate Planning
Reduce estate duty exposure and ensure continuity of wealth across generations.
Property Holding
Hold immovable property in a trust structure for long-term family benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inter vivos family trust?
An inter vivos family trust is a legal arrangement created during the founder's lifetime in which assets are transferred to trustees who hold and manage them for the benefit of family members (beneficiaries). It is governed by the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988 and must be registered with the Master of the High Court, who issues Letters of Authority to the appointed trustees.
What documents do I need to register a trust?
To register an inter vivos family trust with the Master of the High Court in Pretoria, you will need: certified copies of the ID documents of all founders, trustees, and beneficiaries; proof of residential address for each trustee; the original signed trust deed; and the prescribed J401 acceptance of trusteeship forms. Our R12,500 service includes the drafting of the trust deed and all Master's Office filing requirements.
How long does trust registration take in Pretoria?
Once all required documents have been submitted to the Pretoria Master's Office, Letters of Authority are typically issued within 7 to 10 working days. The total timeline from initial consultation to Letters of Authority depends on how quickly you provide the required documentation.
Do I need an independent trustee?
While not strictly required by the Trust Property Control Act, the appointment of an independent trustee is strongly recommended and is effectively required in practice. SARS and the courts scrutinise trusts where the founder retains too much control. An independent trustee — someone who is not a family member or beneficiary — demonstrates that the trust operates independently. Our R12,500 registration service does not include the appointment of an independent trustee, but we will advise you on what to look for during your consultation.
What happens after I receive Letters of Authority?
Once the Master of the High Court issues Letters of Authority, the trustees are legally authorised to act on behalf of the trust. The next steps typically include: opening a trust bank account in the name of the trustees, registering the trust with SARS for tax purposes, and transferring assets into the trust. The trustees must then administer the trust in accordance with the trust deed and the Trust Property Control Act.
Does the R12,500 include SARS registration?
No. The R12,500 all-inclusive fee covers the consultation, trust deed drafting, the R100 nominal donation, Master's Office filing fees, and registration at the Pretoria Master's Office. SARS registration is a separate process that takes place after the trust has been registered and Letters of Authority have been issued. We can advise you on the SARS registration requirements during your consultation.
Can I register a trust without an attorney?
While the law does not strictly require an attorney, it is strongly advisable to use one. The trust deed is a complex legal document that determines the trust's powers, the trustees' authority, beneficiary rights, and distribution mechanisms. A poorly drafted trust deed can result in the Master refusing registration, trustees exceeding their authority, unintended tax consequences, and disputes between beneficiaries.
What is the Master of the High Court's role in trust registration?
The Master of the High Court is responsible for the registration and oversight of trusts in South Africa under the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988. The Master examines the trust deed, verifies the parties, checks that the trust has a lawful purpose, and issues Letters of Authority to the appointed trustees. Without Letters of Authority, trustees cannot legally act — any transactions entered into without them may be void.
Request Trust Registration
Complete the form below and we will respond within 24 hours to schedule your consultation.
Prefer to email directly? martin@mjkinc.co.za
Have questions first? Read the complete trusts guide