Estate Administration

Probate & Deceased Estates: Compassionate Guidance

We provide executors, administrators and beneficiaries with the compassionate legal support they need to manage and finalise a deceased estate, so you can focus on what matters most during a difficult time.

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Alpass McGuinness Legal probate specialist

50+

Years helping Victorian families through life's most difficult moments.

If you are dealing with a loss and need to administer the estate of a loved one, our experienced solicitors at Alpass McGuinness Legal can help. We work closely with executors, administrators, and beneficiaries to understand their specific circumstances and provide tailored advice. We manage the legal process of estate administration so you can focus on your family.

Estate Administration

Administering a deceased estate involves a significant number of legal steps. We guide executors through every stage, from interpreting the Will through to the final distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

Interpreting the Will

Executor Duties & Responsibilities

Grant of Probate Applications

Letters of Administration

Full Administration Services

We assist with the complete administration process, managing every legal step so that executors can fulfil their obligations with confidence and certainty.

Identifying & Valuing Estate Assets

Collecting Superannuation, Bank Funds & Insurance

Paying Estate Debts, Loans & Funeral Costs

Selling or Transferring Property

Distributing Assets to Beneficiaries

Advising on Family & Testamentary Trusts

Estate Disputes

Dying Without a Will

When a person dies intestate (without a Will), their estate is governed by legislation rather than their own wishes. We guide eligible family members through the Letters of Administration process to resolve the estate according to the intestacy laws.

Contesting a Will

We assist with challenges to the validity of a Will and family provision claims by those not adequately provided for.

Executor Disputes

Sensitive advice to executors and beneficiaries where disagreements arise over the administration of an estate.

Frequently Asked

What is probate and when is it needed?+

Probate is a Grant from the Supreme Court of Victoria confirming the executor's authority to administer the deceased's estate. It is typically required when the estate holds significant assets such as real estate or large bank account balances held in the deceased's name alone.

What happens if there is no Will?+

If someone dies without a Will, they are said to have died intestate. The estate is then distributed according to a statutory formula rather than the deceased's wishes. An eligible family member must apply to the Court for Letters of Administration to manage and distribute the estate.

Can a Will be challenged after someone passes away?+

Yes. A Will can be challenged on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Family members and dependants may also bring a family provision claim if they feel the estate has not made adequate provision for them. Strict time limits apply, so early advice is important.

What are the executor's main duties?+

An executor is responsible for locating the Will, applying for probate, identifying and collecting estate assets, paying debts and expenses, and distributing the balance to beneficiaries. Executors can be held personally liable if they fail to carry out these duties properly, so legal guidance is strongly recommended.

We Are Here to Help

Speak with an estate administration specialist in confidence.

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Your network of trusted advisors

As part of the Sather Legal Group, Alpass McGuinness Legal clients can access specialist advice across multiple practice areas without leaving the network. One relationship, broader expertise.

Commercial & BusinessContracts, disputes, acquisitions

Property & ConveyancingResidential and commercial

Family LawSeparation, parenting, settlements

Wills & EstatesEstate planning, probate, powers of attorney

LitigationDispute resolution, court representation, commercial litigation