Estate Administration Lawyers Sydney, NSW
PBL Law Group is a leading NSW law firm specialising Estate Administration – helping Executors manage & finalise estates with confidence & care.
- Expert guidance for Executors & Administrators.
- Ensuring the lawful & efficient administration of estates.
- Simplifying the process of asset distribution.
- Finalising your duties with confidence & care.
Speak to our NSW Estate Administration Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Who Our NSW Estate Administration Lawyers Help
First-Time Executors
We provide clear, step-by-step guidance for first-time Executors unfamiliar with their legal duties & process.
Family Member Executors
We help family members manage their duties as Executor while navigating the emotional stress of a loss.
Executors of Complex Estates
We offer specialised support for complex estates with businesses, trusts, or overseas assets.
Administrators (No Will)
We guide court-appointed Administrators through the strict laws of intestacy when a person dies without a Will.
Executors Facing Disputes
We advise & represent Executors facing a Will challenge or Family Provision Claim.
Our Comprehensive Estate Administration Services
Obtaining Probate
We manage the court application to obtain the Grant of Probate, securing your legal authority to act.
Asset Collection & Management
We assist in identifying, valuing, & collecting all estate assets, from bank accounts & shares to real estate.
Paying Debts & Finalising Taxes
We guide you in correctly paying estate debts & liabilities, & finalising all necessary tax returns.
Distribution to Beneficiaries
We ensure the lawful & efficient distribution of the estate to beneficiaries according to the Will.
Managing Estate Disputes
We provide expert advice & representation if the estate faces a Will challenge or Family Provision Claim.
Finalising Estate Accounts
We assist in preparing final estate accounts for beneficiaries, ensuring a transparent & complete conclusion.
Real 5-Star Client Reviews
Speak to Our Sydney Estate Administration Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Our 4-Step Estate Administration Process
1
Secure the Assets
With probate granted, we help you identify, collect, & secure all estate assets, from bank accounts to property.
2
Manage Debts & Taxes
We guide you in correctly paying estate debts & liabilities and lodging all final tax returns.
3
Defend the Estate
If a claim is made against the estate, we provide expert legal defence to protect the assets & uphold the Will’s intentions.
4
Distribute to Beneficiaries
We ensure the lawful & efficient distribution of the inheritance to beneficiaries, preparing final accounts for a clear conclusion.
Speak to our Specialist Estate Administration Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Why Choose Our Estate Administration Lawyers
1
Clear Executor Guidance
We provide clear, compassionate guidance, managing the process to relieve your administrative burden during a difficult time.
2
Efficient & Timely Process
We focus on finalising the estate in a timely manner, allowing beneficiaries to receive their inheritance without undue delay.
3
Focus on Accuracy & Protection
Our meticulous approach protects you from liability & minimises the risk of costly errors or delays.
4
Proven Experience
Decades of experience guiding Executors through smooth & efficient estate administration & Probate applications.
Visit Our Sydney Wills & Estate Lawyers
We provide expert wills & estate planning advice to clients across NSW. Meet with our team at our central Sydney CBD office, or at our regional offices in Gosford, Gorokan & Coffs Harbour.
Speak to our Sydney Estate Administration Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Fulfill Your Duties Without Personal Risk
As an Executor, your legal duty is to manage the estate correctly. This process is filled with risks, where simple errors in paying debts or distributing assets can expose you to significant personal liability.
We eliminate that risk entirely. Our expert estate administration lawyers provide a clear, step-by-step process to ensure every action you take is lawful & compliant. We guarantee you are protected, allowing you to fulfill your important role with complete confidence.
Protecting the Estate from Claims
Even after Probate is granted, the estate can be attacked. A Will can be challenged for invalidity, or an eligible person can make a Family Provision Claim for a larger share of the inheritance.
As Executor, you have a duty to defend the estate against these claims. Navigating a dispute is complex & stressful. Our estate lawyers provide the robust legal defence needed to protect the estate’s assets & uphold the deceased’s final wishes.
Speak to our NSW Estate Administration Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
NSW Estate Administration FAQs
What is Estate Administration?
Estate Administration is the legal process of managing a deceased person’s assets and liabilities. It involves identifying and collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining estate to the rightful beneficiaries.
Who is responsible for administering an estate?
The person responsible is known as the ‘personal representative’. This is either the Executor named in a Will or an Administrator appointed by the court if there is no Will.
Is Estate Administration different from Probate?
Yes. Probate is the court process of validating a Will and authorising the Executor. Estate Administration is the entire process of managing and finalising the estate, which takes place after a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is issued.
What are the main duties of an Executor or Administrator?
The main duties include identifying and collecting all estate assets, paying the deceased’s debts and taxes, protecting the assets from loss, keeping accurate financial records, and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.
When can I start administering the estate?
You can only begin to deal with significant assets once you have received the formal Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the Supreme Court, as this is your legal authority to act.
Do I have to pay the deceased’s debts personally?
No. An Executor or Administrator is not personally liable for the deceased’s debts. All legitimate debts, taxes, and funeral expenses are paid from the assets of the estate itself.
How long does Estate Administration take?
The time varies greatly depending on the complexity of the estate. A simple estate might be administered within a few months after the grant, while complex estates with disputes or businesses can take a year or more.
When can I distribute the estate to the beneficiaries?
In NSW, you must wait a certain period after publishing relevant legal notices (usually at least 6 months from the date of death) to allow any potential creditors or claimants to come forward. Distributing the estate too early can create personal liability.
How do I manage the estate's finances?
It is best practice for the Executor/Administrator to open a new bank account in the name of the estate. All estate funds should be deposited into this account, and all debts and distributions should be paid from it to ensure clear record-keeping.
Do I need to lodge a final tax return for the deceased?
Yes. As the personal representative, you are responsible for lodging a final personal tax return for the deceased, covering the period up to their date of death. You may also need to lodge tax returns for the estate if it earns income.
How are assets like property transferred to beneficiaries?
With the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, a lawyer can prepare the necessary documents to transfer the title of real estate from the deceased’s name to the name of the beneficiary or a purchaser if it’s sold.
What if I can't find a beneficiary?
You have a legal duty to make all reasonable and thorough efforts to locate any missing beneficiaries. If they cannot be found, you may need to seek formal directions from the Supreme Court on how to handle their share.
What is an 'inventory of property'?
This is a detailed list of all the assets and liabilities of the deceased’s estate that is prepared for the initial court application (Probate or Letters of Administration). It becomes the foundational checklist for the administration process.
Do I need a lawyer for Estate Administration?
While not legally mandatory, engaging a lawyer is highly recommended. Estate administration is a complex legal process. A lawyer ensures you meet all your legal duties, protects you from personal liability, and helps you navigate any complexities or disputes that arise.
What if a dispute arises between beneficiaries during administration?
As the Executor or Administrator, you must remain impartial and not take sides. Your lawyer can help manage the dispute, often through mediation, to reach a fair and lawful resolution in the best interests of the estate.
What are 'secured' vs. 'unsecured' debts?
Secured debts are tied to a specific asset, like a mortgage on a house. Unsecured debts, like credit card bills, are not. There is a specific legal order in which debts must be paid from the estate.
What happens after all assets are distributed?
Once all assets have been distributed and debts paid, you should prepare a final statement of account for the beneficiaries, showing all the financial transactions of the estate. This formally concludes your duties.
Can an Executor or Administrator be paid?
A non-professional representative (like a family member) is typically not paid unless the Will specifies a commission. However, for a particularly arduous administration, they can apply to the Supreme Court for a commission.
What personal liability do I face as an Administrator/Executor?
You can be held personally liable for any financial loss to the estate caused by a breach of your duties, such as distributing the estate too early, not paying debts correctly, or mismanaging assets.
What is the first step in estate administration?
The very first step is to obtain the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the Supreme Court. This grant is the legal document that gives you the authority to begin the administration process.
How Our NSW Wills & Estate Lawyers Can Assist You
Wills Drafting & Review
We draft & update clear, legally sound wills to ensure your final wishes are documented & protected.
Dispute a Will
Whether a Will is invalid or just unfair, we can help. We challenge Wills on grounds of incapacity or fraud & contest Wills for a fairer provision.
Defending a Will
We represent executors & beneficiaries to defend a will’s validity against challenges or family provision claims.
Family Provision Claims
Unfairly left out of a will? We help eligible persons contest a will & claim their fair share under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW).
Domestic Estate Planning
We create tailored estate plans to safeguard your Australian assets, minimise tax & provide for your loved ones.
International Estate Planning
Our experts advise on cross-border estate planning, international wills & trusts for tax-efficient global wealth transfer.
Grant of Probate
We guide executors through the Supreme Court process to obtain a Grant of Probate, validating the will & authorising you to act.
Enduring Power of Attorney
We prepare enduring powers of attorney to manage your future financial & legal decisions.
Enduring Guardianship
We draft enduring guardianships, appointing someone to make crucial personal, lifestyle & medical decisions if you’re unable.
Testamentary Trusts
We establish effective testamentary trusts within your will for superior asset protection, tax benefits & flexible beneficiary provision.
Intestacy Law & Advice
When a loved one dies without a will, we guide families through intestacy law to ensure the lawful distribution of assets.
Letters of Administration
We assist families in applying to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration when there is no valid will or executor.
Estate Administration
We help executors with the administration of deceased estates, ensuring the lawful & efficient collection & distribution of assets.
Advance Care Directives
We draft clear directives outlining your medical treatment & end-of-life wishes to ensure they’re respected.
Special Disability Trusts
We establish specialised trusts to provide for the long-term care & financial security of a loved one with a severe disability.
Speak to Our Sydney Estate Administration Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
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