Probate & Administration of Estates Lawyers Wollongong

If you have been named an Executor of a Will and the testator has passed away, you might be surprised to learn that you cannot simply manage the deceased’s assets immediately upon their passing.

In some circumstances, an Executor (or a proposed Administrator, where there is no valid Will) must apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for an order, referred to as a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, allowing them to administer the estate.

Probate is a legal process where the Executor named in the Will validates and executes the deceased person’s Will and manages their estate.

The need to apply for Letters of Administration (LOA) arises when a person dies without a Will (intestate) or with an invalid Will. In such cases, the court can appoint an Administrator and grant them the authority to distribute the deceased’s property and assets. The rules determine who can apply for LOA and who is entitled to benefit from the estate in the absence of a valid Will.

Probate and Letters of Administration must be applied for within six (6) months of the date of death. The process can be complex and overwhelming, especially during an already difficult time.

At Hanna Lawyers, we are experienced, efficient, and empathetic. We charge regulated/scale professional fees for applications for Probate or Letters of Administration and encourage you to contact us for assistance with your estate matter today.