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Deceased estate administration
Losing someone is hard enough without the paperwork that follows. Whether you are an executor facing a bigger job than you expected, or a family member unsure where to start, we make the process as clear and stress-free as it can be.
No consultation fee for probate & deceased estates. Enquiring is free.
Key facts
- There is nothing you need to prepare before you call - we will tell you what is needed.
- If you can, bring the will and the death certificate to the first meeting.
- There is no initial consultation fee for deceased estate matters.
- Most estates do not need to be dealt with urgently. The first step is a conversation, not paperwork.
- Estate costs - the court filing fee, the notice charge and regulated legal costs - are expenses of the estate, paid from estate funds rather than by the executor personally.
With a will - probate
Where there is a valid will, we act for the executor: the probate application, collecting and protecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate in accordance with the will. We keep beneficiaries’ expectations clear at every stage, so nobody is left wondering.
Without a will - letters of administration
Where there is no will, we guide you through the legal and practical issues that follow: applying for letters of administration and distributing the estate under the intestacy rules. If a claim is brought against the estate, we advise the executor and protect the estate’s interests.
Also see: Probate - the complete guide · Probate filing fees & costs · Contested estates & family provision claims
How we can help
- Probate applications and letters of administration
- Executor guidance - every step, or full administration
- Estate asset collection, debts and distribution
- Defending claims against the estate
- Intestacy (no will) administration
Common questions
How long does probate take in NSW?
A straightforward application for a grant of probate is usually dealt with by the Registry within 4 to 6 weeks, but the overall estate administration takes longer - collecting assets, paying debts and distributing. Complex estates take more time. We will give you a realistic picture at the start and keep you updated as it progresses.
How long after probate is granted do beneficiaries receive their money?
After the grant, the executor must collect the assets, pay debts and (usually) wait out a notice period before distributing. Banks and share registries each have their own processing times. We keep beneficiaries’ expectations clear so nobody is left wondering.
What does an executor actually have to do?
Locate the will, arrange the funeral, apply for probate if needed, collect and protect assets, pay debts and taxes, then distribute the estate. It is a bigger job than most people expect, often at the hardest possible time. We guide executors through every step - or take the heavy lifting off them entirely.
Do I need probate for a small estate?
Not always - it depends on what the estate holds and what the banks or registries require. We can tell you quickly whether probate is needed in your case.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different - for advice on your matter, request an initial consultation. Enquiring is free, and there is no initial consultation fee for probate & deceased estates matters.
Request your initial consultation.
Sit down with a solicitor, tell your story, and leave knowing where you stand. Enquiring is free, there is no consultation fee for wills, conveyancing, powers of attorney, deceased estates or contested estates, and for other matters an initial consultation is $275 - full costs explained before any work begins.