Why you might need help
Taking on the role of administering a deceased estate can be challenge. It's not unusual to have concerns about the responsibility and liability. Some people may feel they don't have the time or experience to manage the process.
You’re under no obligation to accept the role of administering a deceased estate, even if you:
- have been named the executor of a Will
- are the next of kin of a person who has passed away without a Will.
Before you decide to take on the role, you should fully understand what's involved in administering a deceased estate. That way you can decide if this is something you can manage yourself or whether you need support.
Read our steps to administer a deceased estate
Professional support to administer an estate
After learning about administrating deceased estates, you may choose to seek professional support managing some or all of the estate. If you are in this position, we would suggest you find out what options are available from:
- an experienced estate administration solicitor
- Queensland Public Trustee.
How Queensland Public Trustee can help
Our services to fully administer an estate
The exact process to hand over administration duties will depend on whether you've been granted probate or not. When you contact us, we will let you know what information we require to consider taking on administration of the estate. This may include:
- a copy of the Will, if there is one
- details of the beneficiaries, assets and liabilities of the estate
- if you have probate – confirming what actions you’ve already done in the role as executor.
Once we have details on the Will, assets, and liabilities, we can advise you on the best way to proceed. Through this initial meeting we can work out if we able to help with the deceased estate or else will have to decline due to its circumstances.
Our support services for executors
We can also provide professional support if you want to administer the estate yourself but need help with certain tasks such as legal document or carrying out tax matters.
Obtaining grants of administration
We can also help you get the court ordered grant required to administer the estate. We provide this service for a fee. This process includes the following steps:
- We will advertise your intention to apply in the Queensland Law Reporter (QLR).
- We wait the required 14 days after the notice appears in the QLR to allow time for people to object to the application.
- We prepare the required documents to apply for the Grant.
- We file the application with the Supreme Court of Queensland. The courts processing time is approximately 6 weeks.
Our grant application service
To get started the best approach is to contact us and arrange a meeting on 1300 360 044 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
Find out our fees for Grant of administration application service