Estate Administration

When someone passes away, their estate must be administered in accordance with their will or, if no will exists, the relevant succession laws. For executors and family members, the process can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Our role is to provide clarity, structure and steady guidance from the very beginning.

We assist executors, administrators and beneficiaries with every stage of estate administration, from identifying assets and liabilities to preparing and lodging Court documents and distributing the estate. Our approach is practical and supportive, ensuring you understand each step and can carry out your responsibilities with confidence.

Our team is experienced in complex and difficult applications, including:

- locating or dealing with missing beneficiaries
- applying for probate using copies of wills
- preparing applications involving informal wills or documents intended to operate as a will
- addressing issues relating to capacity, execution or validity
- preparing supplementary affidavits, evidentiary material and Court requested information
- navigating estates with disputed assets, overseas property or multi-entity structures

Whether the estate is straightforward or highly complex, we work to ensure the process is handled efficiently, respectfully and in full compliance with legal requirements, so you can focus on what matters most.

Probate

When a valid will exists, the executor may need to apply for a Grant of Probate from the Supreme Court of New South Wales before they can administer the estate. For many executors, this is their first time dealing with the Court process, and the requirements can feel technical and overwhelming.

We assist executors throughout the entire probate process, ensuring every step is handled correctly and efficiently.

Our work includes:

preparing and lodging probate applications
identifying and verifying estate assets and liabilities
meeting all Court, evidentiary and procedural requirements
advising executors on their duties, responsibilities and decision making obligations

Our focus is to make the process as clear and manageable as possible, giving executors the confidence to carry out their role with accuracy and peace of mind.

Letters of Administration

When a person dies without a valid will, a family member may need to apply for Letters of Administration to obtain the legal authority to manage and distribute the estate. The process can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming, particularly during an already difficult time.

We assist eligible family members with preparing the application, identifying estate assets and liabilities, and understanding their responsibilities as administrators. Our focus is to make the process clear, efficient and compliant with NSW succession laws, giving families confidence that the estate is being managed properly and respectfully

Administration of Deceased Estates

Once probate or letters of administration have been granted, the estate still needs to be properly managed and distributed. This often includes:

Collecting estate assets
Managing estate liabilities
Communicating with beneficiaries
Preparing distributions
Finalising the administration of the estate

We provide hands-on support so that executors and administrators can carry out their duties with confidence.

Ready to Talk?

If you have a legal matter you’d like to discuss, get in touch with our team. We’re based in Coledale and advise clients across the Illawarra, Sydney, Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands.