What is the J262 form?

The J262 is the "Undertaking and Bond of Security" form for deceased estate executors. It is a legally binding guarantee submitted to the Master of the High Court, in which the executor (and a surety if required) undertakes to faithfully administer the estate, pay all debts and claims, and properly account for and distribute the estate assets to the rightful heirs.

When is the J262 required?

The Master of the High Court requires the J262 when: the estate is formal (over R250,000 in assets), the executor is not the sole heir, or the Master determines that a bond is necessary to protect the heirs and creditors. Executors who are the sole heir, enrolled attorneys, or who are expressly exempted by the will may apply for exemption from the bond requirement.

What is a surety and when is one required?

A surety is a person or entity (often a financial institution or insurance company) who co-signs the J262 and guarantees that the executor will perform their duties. The Master may require a surety when the executor is not a professional fiduciary and the estate is substantial. If a surety is required and an individual co-signs, they become jointly and severally liable if the executor misappropriates estate assets.

Can I use a financial institution as a surety?

Yes. Banks, trust companies, and registered insurance companies can act as sureties on the J262. This is often preferable to using an individual as surety. Financial institution sureties typically charge a fee based on the estate value. Ask the Master's office whether an institutional surety is acceptable for your estate.

What is the bond amount on the J262?

Under section 23(1) of the Administration of Estates Act the bond is set "in an amount determined by the Master" — in practice usually the gross value of the estate assets, but the figure is the Master's to fix. The Master's office confirms the exact figure based on the asset schedule from the J294 Death Notice. FillMeIn includes a field for the bond amount so you can complete the form correctly once the Master confirms the figure.

Does the J262 need to be signed before a Commissioner of Oaths?

Yes. The J262 contains an undertaking that must be signed before a Commissioner of Oaths. Both the executor and any surety must sign in the presence of a commissioner. You can fill in the form on FillMeIn, download the PDF, then take it to a SAPS station, bank, or attorney for commissioning. Do not sign before visiting the commissioner.

Can an executor be exempted from providing the J262 bond of security?

Often, yes — and many families need no bond at all. Section 23(1) of the Administration of Estates Act only requires security from a person who was NOT nominated as executor in the will. Even then it adds: "if such person is a parent, spouse or child of the deceased, he shall not be required to furnish security unless the Master specially directs that he shall do so." A will can also expressly exempt the executor it nominates. If none of these apply, the Master decides whether security is needed and in what amount.

What documents are submitted with the J262?

Submit the J262 together with the J294 Death Notice, J190/J155 executor acceptance, death certificate, will (if any), and asset schedule. The Master reviews the full package before issuing letters of executorship. Submit all deceased estate forms together to avoid delays.

J262 — Undertaking and Bond of Security

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development · Verified 26 July 2026

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