Probate and Estate Administration

In times of bereavement it is often distressing for members of the deceased’s family and/or executors of their Wills to address the issues surrounding the wishes of the deceased.   We offer professional guidance and advice in these difficult times and will assist the relevant representative of the estate in dealing with the deceased’s assets and personal effects.  These assets must be identified and assessed as to their worth at the time of death.  Sometimes the process is quite simple (small Estates) whereas in other circumstances more formal legal representation is required, such as:-

• Probate

Probate is a legal process that takes place after death to validate the Will of the deceased.  The Will together with affidavits are lodged with the Supreme Court which identify the Will, the deceased person’s property and authorises the appointed Executor to deal with the deceased’s estate in accordance with the terms of the Will. 

• Letters of Administration

If the deceased has died without leaving a legally valid will (intestate) then the legal process required to deal with estate assets is an application for Letters of Administration through the Supreme Court.  Usually administration is given to a close family member (husband/wife/child) of the deceased.
Whatever, the process we can then guide and assist you:-

• with the winding up or administration of the Estate including:
  
  
  • closing of bank accounts;
  • selling or transferring property and shares;
  • arranging for the sale of real estate and personal effects;
  • attending to payment of outstanding liabilities from Estate funds;
  • organising estate taxation requirements; and
  • advising re capital gains tax.;
  • With the provision of a proper record of account of Estate assets by depositing funds received on behalf of the Estate into our trust account.  A trust account statement detailing all deposits and withdrawals will available at all times;
  • With the distribution of all Estate assets in accordance with the terms of the Will or the relevant State law (if no Will of the deceased).

Enquiries

Michelle Smee E:
Kim Twohill E: