If you have ever been nominated as an Executor, or if you had a loved one pass away without a valid Will, you know that dealing with the estate administration process can be a stressful and time-consuming process. At Jacaranda Law, we guide families through the legal complexities involved in probate applications and the administration of estates, ensuring that assets are distributed according to the Will and in compliance with the law.
Our flexible estate administrations services can cover:
We understand that no two estates are the same, which is why we offer flexibility in how much or how little of the work we handle for you. Whether you need full-service assistance, or just help with specific tasks like applying for probate, we tailor our support to your needs. This allows you to manage as much of the process as you’re comfortable with, while relying on our expertise for the parts you want assistance with.
With our experience in handling estates both large and small, Jacaranda Law is here to provide practical and reliable solutions, giving you peace of mind during a challenging time.
To obtain a grant on your behalf we charge a fixed fee of $3,300 plus outlays. Outlays include the Supreme Court filing fee and advertisement of the notice, and generally cost a little under $1,000 all up.
This option is for those who need assistance solely with the application for probate or letters of administration. Jacaranda Law offers this service at a fixed fee, ensuring transparency and peace of mind regarding costs. We handle all the legal work required to obtain the official Grant, allowing you to manage the rest of the estate administration independently.
If you would like additional assistance, whether for specific parts of the estate administration process or full-service assistance where we manage everything from start to finish, Jacaranda Law offers flexible solutions tailored to your needs. You can choose how much or how little help you’d like from us.
If you’re unsure how much assistance you need, we invite you to book an appointment. During this consultation, we’ll assess your circumstances and provide a fixed-fee quote based on the services you require, ensuring you receive the right support at the right price.
Probate is the legal process of gaining the Supreme Courts official recognition that a Will is Valid. This process ensures that the will is legally binding and authorises the named Executor/s to deal with the assets and liabilities of the estate. Most times banks and other institutions will require a copy of the Grant of Probate before they release funds to the Executor.
Not all estates need to go through probate. Smaller estates or those with assets held in joint names or in trust may not require probate. However, many estates, especially those with significant assets like real estate or shares, will need probate to allow the executor to legally distribute the estate.
Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s estate after their death. This includes identifying and collecting assets, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will (or according to intestacy laws if there is no will).
The estate administration process can vary in time, but it typically takes between 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether there are any disputes. If the will is contested or there are difficulties in locating assets, the process may take longer.
If a person dies without a will (intestate), their estate is distributed according to the intestacy laws in their state or territory. These laws outline who inherits the deceased’s assets, typically favouring close relatives like spouses, children, and parents. However, significant assets in the estate can’t be distributed until the Supreme Court appoints an Administrator to manage the estate. This is done by way of an application, typically by the next of kin, for a Grant of Letters of Administration.
The executor is responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in the deceased’s will. This includes applying for probate, managing the estate’s assets, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the assets to the beneficiaries. The executor is legally responsible for ensuring the estate is handled properly and in line with the will’s instructions.
Yes, a Will can be contested under certain circumstances. For example, if someone believes that the deceased was under undue influence, or lacked capacity, when making the Will, they may challenge the validity of the Will in court. Family provision claims are also common where a person argues that they were not adequately provided for under the Will. At Jacaranda Law, we can assist you with a contested Will. We provide more information on our "Wills Disputes" page.
Ipswich Wills and Estates Lawyers