Estate Administration.

In the weeks after a loved one dies, it’s common to feel lost. There are urgent decisions to make, accounts to close, and unfamiliar legal steps to follow. Many people feel guilt or hesitation – torn between the need to act and the instinct to stop and grieve. It can feel wrong, even surreal, to be thinking about paperwork when you’re still processing what’s happened.

That’s why our team approaches estate administration with compassion as well as compliance. We understand the emotional weight that can come with the task of winding up an estate, and we’re here to provide steady guidance at a time when very little feels certain.

A surprising number of Australians pass away without a valid will. When that happens, it doesn’t have to mean their estate goes unhandled – but it does mean the legal process is different. In most cases, a family member needs to apply for what’s called Letters of Administration, which allows them to manage the estate.

It sounds complicated, and it can be – but we help make it manageable with our experience. Whether you’re unsure of your rights or don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help clarify the path forward.

Probate is the court’s formal recognition of a will and the authority of the executor/s. It’s often the first major legal step in estate administration, and for many, it marks a moment of finality. There’s a weight to it – not just in terms of process, but in the emotion it can bring to the surface.

We recognise that this moment is more than a signature or form. It’s part of the grieving process. That’s why we take a human approach – explaining what needs to happen and why, every step of the way…

Dealing with property is one of the most complex and sensitive parts of estate administration. There are legal implications based on how the property was owned, whether it was mortgaged, and who the beneficiaries are. It can quickly become a source of stress or even conflict if the process isn’t handled correctly.

For example, many people don’t realise that when a person dies, the property often needs to be transferred into the executor’s name before it can be sold or transferred to a surviving joint tenant. We help families navigate the steps with clarity and professionalism. Whether you need to transfer ownership, sell the property, or understand your responsibilities as an executor, we’ll guide you through the legal considerations that come with it.

The legal system works on timelines, but grief doesn’t. We understand that estate administration can’t be rushed, and that people need different amounts of time to process what’s happened. While the law is strict, with us you’ll always know what’s happening, what’s next, and what decisions need to be made – you won’t be expected to do everything on your own.