Calls grow for ethics in estate management
Estate administration complaints stem from inadequate knowledge of inheritance laws rather than practitioner misconduct, according to presentations at a Council of Estate Administrators and Insolvency Practitioners workshop. Master of the High Court Eldard Mutasa and legal professionals addressed common grievances affecting beneficiaries and families of deceased persons.
Disputes frequently arise when beneficiaries reject wills that fail to meet their expectations or when families attempt to resolve matters through cultural practices instead of legal frameworks. Zimbabwe marriages operate outside community property arrangements, granting testators authority to distribute assets to chosen recipients. Intestate succession follows statutory procedures when valid wills do not exist.
Estate finalization delays result from litigation over property disposal, administrator inaction and uncertainty about procedural requirements. Beneficiaries report receiving insufficient updates about the estate’s progress, as communication breakdowns prevent information sharing between parties.
Recommendations include collaborative public education campaigns by the Master’s office, CEAIP and government agencies. The development of standardized handbooks and guidelines would clarify the legal requirements for administrators. Training programs that address trust fund management and grievance procedures could help reduce allegations of asset misuse. Formal codes of conduct with disciplinary mechanisms would establish accountability standards.
