PROBATE & DECEASED ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

A deceased estate refers to the assets and property of a person who has died and can include real estate, personal property, cash, shares, as well as other assets.

A person named as an executor of a Will has the responsibility to administer a deceased person’s estate in accordance with the terms of the Will. Ian Symonds & Associates can assist executors with all of the legal and practical aspects involved with the administration of a deceased estate. The steps involved in dealing with an estate usually include:

• Identifying and securing the deceased’s assets;
• Applying for a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration;
• Managing and administering the deceased’s assets (eg. Closing the deceased’s bank accounts, transferring shares and/or properties owned by the deceased to the intended beneficiary);
• Ensuing all debts and liabilities are paid and tax matters finalized;
• Administering any trusts established under the Will;
• Distributing estate assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will (or if there is no will, in accordance with the applicable intestacy laws).