Probate or letters of administration cannot be granted earlier than 28 days after the death of the deceased [Uniform Civil Rules 2020 (SA) r 356.20]. Usually the grant is made within 2 to 5 weeks of the application, depending on the workload at the Probate Registry at that time and whether all the papers are in order. If there is any doubt or difficulty about a will, the Registrar may require further affidavits to be filed.