CERTIFICATE COURSE IN DECEASED ESTATES PRACTICE
Postgraduate Distance Short Learning Programme for Legal Practitioners | 2026

About this course

The course in Deceased Estates Practice is a joint initiative between the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

This distance education course aims to equip students with the legal and practical knowledge and skills necessary for drawing up wills, establishing trusts, reporting estates and administrating deceased estates.

Accreditation and certification

NQF level of module: 7 . | . Credits 24 . | . FISA CPD points: 30 . | .Certificates are issued jointly by the UNISA Centre for Lifelong Learning (UCL) and the LSSA on the successful completion of the course and full payment of the fee.

Duration

Course dates: March to December 2026 (two compulsory semesters) . | . Registration closure: 28 February 2026

Who should register?

Anyone wanting to practise in deceased estates. This includes attorneys, legal advisors, government officials and private sector employees working in the field of administration of estates, paralegals, and staff in law firms with sufficient practical experience.

Method of tuition

This distance education course is presented online via the UNISA Online Platform, myUnisa. Students are able to access the electronic distance education facilities in order to download study material and submit assignments. Please note that the material will not be available in hardcopy format. At least one workshop is arranged for students, provided there is enough interest in an area to make it financially feasible. The workshops are facilitated by the programme presenters.

Registration fees (VAT Inclusive)

Attorneys: R14 700 . | . Non attorneys: R17 575 . | . Refer to the brochure which includes a payment plan option.

Registration

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE AND REGISTRATION FORM 
(Click on the red link in the brochure to register online - page 3)

How to register?
Kindly note that you can only register online.  Participants should be registered individually.

STEP 1:
Please complete the registration form by clicking on the link supplied above attach the following:
• a clear copy of your identity document/passport;
• a copy of your highest degree obtained;
• proof of payment and the payment plan details.

STEP 2: 
Payment should be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) only. Remember to upload the proof of payment as well as the other supporting documents (PDF) in step 1 (Online registration form).

LSSA banking details: Account name: Law Society of South Africa | Bank: FNB Pretoria | Branch code: 251445 |
Account no: 6200 9641 079 | Reference: Surname, initials, Cell number

STEP 3:
You will receive a system-generated e-mail that we have received your registration form. Course confirmation and more detail on the way forward will be e-mailed to you after the closing date.

Contact the course administrator

For more information about this course, contact Nomsa Sethosa on E-mail: Distance@LSSALEAD.org.za or on
Tel No: +27 (0)12 441 4600.

Please take note

• It is important to familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions of this course before registration.
• Course registration will be confirmed only if proof of payment is attached to the form.
• Fees must be paid into the designated Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) bank account. The LSSA will not accept liability if any other bank account is used.
• LEAD reserves the right to postpone or cancel a learning activity should the number of delegates not justify the costs involved.

LEAD's training offers

LEAD is one of the largest providers of legal and professional education in South Africa and has been accredited as an legal education provider by the Legal Practice Council for 2021. LEAD provides access to quality learning that is relevant, accessible and affordable. LEAD offers an extensive range of learning activities and training options.

View LEAD’s full training calendar for legal professionals.

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