Deal with a deceased estate

When someone you care about passes away, the legal responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. We will handle the complexity, guide you through every step, and make sure the estate is administered correctly and with care.

Experienced estate lawyers who take the burden off your shoulders

Administering a deceased estate involves court applications, financial institutions, property transfers, and in some cases disputes. Our estate lawyers will handle every aspect with the expertise and sensitivity the situation deserves.

Get the legal authority you need

Obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration so you have the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Administer with confidence

Manage the assets, debts, and distributions of the estate correctly, so every beneficiary receives what they are entitled to.

Resolve disputes decisively

Defend the estate against unfounded claims or make a family provision application if you have been inadequately provided for.

When you work with us, you will have experienced estate lawyers managing the process so you can focus on your family during a difficult time.

You will have the legal authority to administer the estate and access its assets. You will have a clear plan for distributing the estate in accordance with the will or the laws of intestacy. You will have experienced lawyers handling any disputes or claims, so the estate is protected and properly wound up.

How we can help

We advise executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and family members across every aspect of deceased estate administration and disputes.

Obtain a grant of probate

Apply to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate so you have the legal authority to administer the estate, access accounts, and distribute assets.

Administer a deceased estate

Manage the full administration of the estate from gathering assets and paying debts through to final distribution to all beneficiaries.

Defend a will challenge or family provision claim

Protect the estate and the deceased’s wishes against a challenge to the will or an application for further provision by a claimant.

Make a family provision claim

Make an application for further provision from an estate if you have been left out of a will or inadequately provided for under its terms.

Transfer property from a deceased estate

Handle the conveyancing and registration of property being transferred from a deceased estate to beneficiaries or pursuant to a court order.

Advice on entitlements under a will

Understand your rights as a beneficiary, what you are entitled to under the will or intestacy rules, and what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

Testamentary trust for a minor beneficiary

Protect a child’s inheritance through a post-death testamentary trust that controls when and how they receive their share, with the tax advantages of Division 6AA.

Why estate administration needs experienced legal guidance

Administering a deceased estate is a legal responsibility, not just a practical one. As an executor, you have personal duties to the estate and to its beneficiaries. If you distribute assets incorrectly, miss a creditor, fail to obtain proper authority, or overlook a potential claim, you can be held personally liable for the consequences.

Family provision claims, will challenges, and disputes between beneficiaries are more common than most families expect, particularly where there are blended families, significant assets, or unclear intentions in the will. Acting quickly and correctly from the outset is critical to protecting both the estate and yourself as executor.

At ADLV Law, our estate lawyers have decades of experience guiding executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through every aspect of deceased estate administration. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we will take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most.

Need help administering a deceased estate?

Whether you have just been named as executor, are dealing with a dispute, or need to understand your rights as a beneficiary, speak to one of our estate lawyers today.

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