Deceased Estates and Trust Administration

de Groots offer professional legal services for Deceased Estates and Trust Administration Lawyers in Australia, helping manage and administer the estate of a deceased person or assets held in trust. We ensure that all outstanding debts are paid, tax obligations are met, and remaining assets are distributed in accordance with the deceased’s will or the trust terms. Whether you are an executor, administrator, or beneficiary, our experienced team provides clear advice and handles the entire process with care and legal precision. From probate applications and asset collection to trust administration and estate distribution, we deliver reliable support every step of the way to reduce stress and ensure compliance with Australian law.

Call (03) 9975 75321 for a Deceased Estates and Trust Administration Lawyer to get legal consultation on Deceased Estates Resolution Services in Australia from the best  Deceased Estates law firm, Degroots.

A deceased estate refers to all the assets and liabilities owned by a person at the time of their death. This includes property, bank accounts, investments, superannuation, and personal belongings, as well as any debts or tax obligations. Deceased estate and trust administration is the legal process of collecting these assets, settling any outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries.

In Australia, estate distribution follows either a valid will (testate) or intestacy laws (if no will exists). The executor (if there’s a will) or an appointed administrator (if no will) must secure a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration before managing the estate. Family members may contest the will under family provision claims, and while Australia has no inheritance tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may apply in certain cases.

Our experienced estate lawyers provide comprehensive support to executors and family members, managing probate, asset collection, tax and capital gains advice, trust administration, and estate distribution. We explain each step in clear, plain language to ensure the process is understood, handled legally, and completed with care during a difficult time.

We assist executors with every aspect of estate administration, including collecting and securing assets, preparing probate or letters of administration, managing debts, handling tax matters, and overseeing final distribution to beneficiaries. Our experienced team ensures legal compliance and reduces the risk of personal liability. With clear communication and professional guidance, executors can carry out their responsibilities with confidence and without unnecessary stress.

Our team manages the legal process of proving a will through the Supreme Court and completing asset transmission applications. Whether there is a valid will or not, we help clients obtain the necessary grants to administer the estate legally. We ensure all applications are completed accurately and efficiently, helping avoid common delays. This allows for the secure and lawful transfer of property, shares, and other assets held in the name of the deceased.

We offer tailored legal advice on estate-related tax issues, including income earned after death, capital gains from asset disposals, and trust tax return requirements. Our team ensures full compliance with Australian tax laws and helps identify opportunities to reduce tax liabilities. We work closely with accountants where needed to prepare final tax returns, helping executors meet all obligations and preserve the estate’s value for distribution.

We oversee the fair and timely distribution of estate assets following the will or intestacy rules. This includes financial settlements, property transfers, and handling entitlements from superannuation or insurance. Our approach ensures beneficiaries receive their inheritance without unnecessary delays or legal risks. We also handle communication with financial institutions, ensuring funds are transferred correctly and all documentation is properly lodged.

We manage the full estate administration process, from identifying and valuing assets and liabilities to liaising with banks, super funds, and government bodies. Our team handles the preparation of all legal and financial documents and ensures the estate is administered by relevant laws. This reduces the stress on family members and protects executors from legal and financial consequences due to errors or omissions.

We understand that estate administration often follows the loss of a loved one. Our team provides respectful, tailored support and explains each step in plain English. Clients are guided through the process with empathy and professionalism. We ensure all legal procedures are clear and manageable, helping clients feel supported and confident while fulfilling their duties or receiving their rightful entitlements.

Administering a deceased estate involves legal steps, asset handling, and tax obligations. de Groots provides experienced legal support to ensure every process is carried out correctly. We help protect executors from risk, manage court applications, and ensure timely, lawful distribution of assets according to the deceased’s wishes. Here’s why we stand out:

Executors are legally responsible for managing and distributing the estate of the deceased. We ensure they are protected from personal liability by overseeing the legal process from start to finish. This includes preparing documentation, meeting deadlines, and complying with Australian estate laws. Our service gives executors peace of mind by reducing risks, handling legal complexities, and helping them fulfil their role confidently and without unnecessary stress.

We handle all aspects of probate and estate administration, whether the deceased left a valid Will or not. Our lawyers assist with preparing and lodging applications to the Supreme Court for probate or letters of administration, depending on the situation. We then support the executor in managing assets, paying liabilities, and distributing the estate. Our process ensures full legal compliance and efficient administration for executors and families alike.

Understanding a Will requires legal knowledge, especially when the wording is unclear or beneficiaries raise concerns. Our lawyers interpret the Will under estate law, ensuring the deceased’s wishes are carried out accurately. We help executors avoid missteps by offering legal clarity, supporting dispute prevention, and advising on any legal responsibilities. This reduces confusion and supports fair and lawful estate distribution.

We manage the identification, valuation, and collection of all estate assets, including real estate, superannuation, bank accounts, shares, loans, and investments. Once all debts are cleared, we coordinate the distribution of remaining assets to beneficiaries in line with the Will or intestacy rules. Our team ensures everything is handled professionally, saving time and reducing risks for the executor and ensuring fairness for all involved.

Our team communicates with banks, creditors, and the ATO to settle all outstanding estate debts and tax obligations. We prepare and lodge the final tax return for the estate, manage capital gains tax matters, and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. This service protects the executor from personal liability, avoids penalties, and ensures the estate is financially cleared before distribution begins, allowing a clean and lawful settlement.

We provide professional guidance in the administration of testamentary and family trusts, ensuring all trustee responsibilities are met. This includes management of trust assets, distribution of income to beneficiaries, record-keeping, and preparation of trust tax returns. Our lawyers work closely with trustees to ensure compliance with Australian trust laws and offer peace of mind for families relying on the trust to support their financial future.

For any matter to do with a deceased estate or trust administration, contact us to arrange an appointment.