Have a probate lawyer help you administer a deceased estate

Probate Lawyer Melbourne

When a loved one passes, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to sorting out their estate. At Norton Legal, I come alongside you with compassion to guide you along the road ahead.

Helping executors of a Will with estate administration

Dealing with a deceased estate can be difficult for Executors. From mountains of paperwork to legal jargon and simmering family disputes, they’re the last things you want to deal with when you’re grieving the loss of someone important in your life. And that’s where I can come in to support you with advice on how to navigate the process.

Probate Lawyer

Having a probate lawyer in arms reach is perfect for you if:

  • You’ve been appointed as an Executor of a Will, or there is currently no Will in place for a loved one who has recently passed, and you don’t know what to do next

  • You need specific help with any part of estate administration, including liaising with banks and financial institutions, managing the sale or transfer of estate assets, coordinating tax matters with your accountant, communicating with beneficiaries, and facilitating the distribution of the estate

  • You need help applying for grants, probate and/or letters of administration.

How I’ll help you as your probate lawyer

  • Interpreting the Will 

First, I start by interpreting the Will of the deceased in terms of estate laws and advising you (the executor) in regard to your duties and rights. 

  • Determining whether to apply for Probate or Letters of Administration

If there is a Will, I’ll work with you to identify the assets and liabilities of the estate, obtain valuations if necessary and apply for Probate of the Will in the Supreme Court.

If there is an intestacy (no Will), I assist you in applying for Letters of Administration in the Supreme Court.

  • Collecting the estate financial assets

Once Probate is obtained, I’ll work to collect the estate's financial assets, including, bank funds, shares, outstanding loans, and insurance payouts. If you need help with selling or transferring estate property or paying estate debts, including mortgages, funeral costs, and testamentary expenses, I can help with that too.

  • Supporting you through distributing bequests

When it’s time, I’ll assist you with distributing bequests and inheritances to beneficiaries.

If a dispute arises, Norton Legal can help with family mediation and negotiation, contesting Wills and defending estate litigation in the Supreme Court.

Get support with dealing with a deceased estate in 4 easy steps

Step 1

BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE CHAT

Let’s arrange a quick chat online to find out whether this service is right for you.

Step 2

60 MINUTE CONSULTATION

In our 1:1 meeting, we’ll discuss your individual situation, and I’ll explain the process of obtaining probate, a more indicative cost estimate and details on the next steps.

Step 3

PROBATE APPLICATION

I take care of all the paperwork to ensure your probate application is processed quickly and efficiently.

Step 4

PROBATE GRANTED

You now have the authority to administer the estate including dealing with banks, super funds, real estate, RAD bonds, and other assets to ensure they are properly distributed to the beneficiaries.

Get support with probate or handling a deceased estate today

How much will a probate lawyer cost? 

When it comes to estate administration (letters of administration for when the deceased doesn’t have a Will), you can expect a ballpark amount between $4k-$7k. The thing is, until I know your assets, it’s hard to determine how much work is involved. By jumping on a free call, I can help give you clarity on the process and costs of a probate application. Remember that your legal costs will likely be reimbursed from the estate.

A deposit of $385 is required before your first meeting with us.

Nominated as an Executor? Grab the FREE Guide for Executors.