Death can be tragic and difficult for the ones left behind, especially when the deceased’s personal, legal, and financial matters have to be resolved during the bereavement period.
Our team of experienced wills and probate lawyers in Melbourne can help ease your burden during this difficult time by assisting you through all the complications of administering the estate.
Applying for probate is an important first step for executors and how you apply is key to ensuring a smooth estate administration and distribution. Our estate and probate lawyers are compassionate and effective in ensuring the whole process is made as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
We take the time to engage carefully and closely with each of our clients, assisting them in reaching the best legal solution tailored to their situation, as well as:
● Facilitating the process of obtaining a Grant of Probate or Administration.
● Identifying and collecting or transferring bank account funds, shares, and other assets by the deceased.
● Reviewing applicable insurance policies to ascertain whether death benefits are payable to the estate.
● Assisting with any tax liabilities on testamentary distributions.
● Advice on intestate estates and informal Wills.
● Administering and distributing the estate.
● Advice on inheritance claims.
● Offering support and guidance should an estate dispute arise.
Our team of probate and estate lawyers have a stellar track record of facilitating results effectively, efficiently, and with full transparency. You will be able to take the time and space you need to grieve for your loss while being reassured that the paperwork and other legal details are being taken care of.
FAQ
Who administers the estate?
What is a Grant of Probate?
Do I need a Grant of Probate?
Estates with modest assets and liabilities may not require a Grant of Probate and the distribution can be handled informally. However, if there is a substantial amount of funds, shares or the equivalent, or the deceased was the sole owner of a property or bank account, then you may be required to apply for a Grant of Probate.
Keep in mind that policies regarding estates and their administration vary across financial institutions so it is recommended to inquire about the specifics beforehand. Similarly, the Grant of Probate differs according to each State and Territory. Thus, it is best to consult with wills and probate lawyers in Melbourne to determine what applies to your situation and how you should go about it.
How do I apply for a Grant of Probate?
Generally, you would need to submit the following documents when making your probate application:
- An original copy of the deceased’s Will.
- The deceased’s death certificate.
- A copy of your oath as an executor.
- A statement detailing the deceased’s assets and liabilities.
Since an application for a Probate is a highly technical process, any error in the documents will stall the application. Thus, it is in your best interest to seek the help of experienced estate probate lawyers to ensure a successful and swift application.
What happens if there is no Will?
In this situation, a close next-of-kin who wishes to inherit all or part of the deceased’s estate can apply to the Supreme Court for an administrator to deal with the distribution and management of the estate according to the relevant state law.
However, similar to the requirements of being an intestate estate beneficiary, there is a priority list for those who wish to apply for an administrator which differs according to each State and Territory including:
- Spouse or domestic partner.
- Childern
- Grandchildren
- Parents
- Siblings
- Other family members (Uncles, Aunts, Cousins).
What are Letters of Administration?
Application requirements and the process differs according to each State and Territory, however, generally, you are required to do the following:
- Advertise your intention to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration.
- Complete the relevant application forms.
- Sign the application in the presence of an authorised witness.
- Lodge the witnessed application with the Supreme Court in your State.
What happens after I receive a Grant?
You must also finalise any tax returns for the deceased, as well as for the estate (if required) and pay any outstanding income tax owing to the Australian Taxation Office.
Once all debts have been paid, you can distribute the assets to the beneficiaries following the Will or intestacy rules if there is no Will.
Finally, as the executor or administrator, you must prepare a report and Statement of Account for the beneficiaries showing details of the assets, proceeds of any sale of assets, and expenses paid.
What is a Probate Caveat?
As the Caveat may delay proceedings and result in additional legal costs for involved parties, the party filing the Probate Caveat should be aware that they may be ordered to pay the resulting legal costs of the estate.
How long does the whole process take?
However, oftentimes, the pre-application process takes up the most time as people are not sure how and where to begin. Our probate and estate lawyers can sort out your application and arrange for you to sign it as quickly as possible to ensure you do not have to stress yourself figuring out the technicalities during this difficult time.
Once the application is sent to the Supreme Court, depending on your State and Territory laws, it will take about four to six weeks for the Court to review it and issue you a Grant.
Does an executor get paid?
Any payment to an executor is referred to as a commission and in Victoria, it cannot exceed 5% of the total value of the estate assets.
How much does the whole process cost?
What do I bring to my consultation with Nevett Ford’s probate and estate lawyers?
- Will (if any).
- Death certificate.
- Assets and liabilities of the deceased.
- Deceased’s personal details.
- Executor/Administrator’s personal details.
- Beneficiary names and contact details.
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
Richard Hamilton
Director
Stuart Wilson
Director
Peter Lumb
Associate Director
Andrew Lumb
Special Counsel
Greg Doran
Associate Director
Steph Chafer
Lawyer
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