Administrating the estate
Administering an estate means carrying out all the legal, financial, and practical steps required to manage and finalise a deceased person’s affairs. It’s usually done by the executor (if there’s a valid Will) or an administrator (if there’s no Will or no executor available).
It typically includes tasks such as:
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Identifying and collecting assets – bank accounts, property, investments, superannuation, personal belongings.
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Paying debts and expenses – including funeral costs, outstanding bills, loans, and taxes.
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Applying for probate or letters of administration – to obtain legal authority to deal with the estate.
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Managing the estate during administration – e.g. maintaining property, insurances, and accounts until distribution.
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Distributing assets – transferring money, property, or gifts to the beneficiaries named in the Will (or under intestacy laws if there is no Will).
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Finalising records – closing accounts, cancelling services, and keeping records of distributions.
Do I need a lawyer to administer an estate?
Not always. If the estate is small and straightforward — with a valid Will, no disputes, and only a few simple assets — you may be able to handle the administration yourself.
However, many estates are more complex. You should seek legal help if:
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The estate includes property, businesses, trusts, or overseas assets
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There are disputes between beneficiaries or family members
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The Will is unclear, contested, or possibly invalid
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The deceased left significant debts or complex tax obligations
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Probate or Letters of Administration is required to access assets
Engaging a lawyer ensures the process is handled correctly and efficiently. Executors have legal duties and can be personally liable if mistakes are made, so having professional support provides peace of mind that everything is done properly.
Our role is to guide you through the process — from applying for probate to distributing the estate — so you can focus on your family during a difficult time.