Administering Estates
Need help with administering an Estate? You can start the online process here, or call us on (08) 8212 1077 (South Australia), (08) 9211 5800 (Western Australia), (08) 8941 7814 (Northern Territory) or (07) 3373 0200 (Queensland).
If you have been appointed as an executor of a Will then you are responsible for carrying out the wishes of the person who has died.
As an executor your basic duties are to collect the assets of the person who has died, pay any debts and then distribute the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will. Depending on the nature of the person’s assets when they die it may also be necessary for you to apply for a Grant of Probate.
For more information, read this blog: What Does an Executor of a Will Have to Do?
How can we help?
We are often asked to help both executors and administrators in a number of ways. We assist them to apply for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration or simply advise the executor or administrator about his or her obligations. We are also asked by the executor or administrator to take over the full administration of the estate on their behalf – to collect the assets, to pay the bills, to advise government departments and other interested parties of death, to organise the final tax return and to handle all other matters that arise when finalising an estate.
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What is a Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is recognition that you are authorised by the Will to act as the executor. We liken it to a passport. It is proof to third parties that you have authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets.
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What if there isn't a Will?
If your loved one or family member has died without a Will it may be necessary for you to apply to the Court for Letters of Administration appointing you as the administrator of the estate.
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What do you have to do if you have been appointed as Administrator?
An administrator’s duties are similar to the duties of an executor, however, they must distribute the estate assets in accordance with the laws that govern what happens when a person dies intestate (without a will).