Managing a deceased estate can be a complex and time-consuming process, particularly at a time when families are already dealing with loss. Estate administration involves a range of legal and practical steps that must be carried out to finalise a person’s affairs after death.
At Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, our Wills, Estates, Planning + Structuring team works with our clients to minimise the difficulties of dealing with wills and estates following the death of a loved one, or to help our clients minimise the stress on family members and friends following their death.
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What does managing a deceased estate involve?
Estate administration generally involves organising and managing the assets, liabilities and formal obligations of a deceased person. This can include identifying estate property, addressing debts and tax matters, and ensuring that the estate is distributed according to a valid Will or, in the absence of a Will, in accordance with the laws of intestacy.
Executors and administrators
A deceased estate is administered by a person with the legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased. This may be an executor named in a Will, or in the absence of a Will or where the nominated executor is unable to act, an administrator appointed by the court.
Our estate administration services
At Clifford Gouldson Lawyers our Wills, Estates, Planning + Structuring team assists executors and administrators with the practical and legal obligations required to administer an estate. Our services include:
- Distributions to beneficiaries.
- Interpretation of the Will and advice around obligations of the executor.
- Obtaining grants of representation from the court.
- General estate administrative tasks.
- Liaising with advisors and third parties including government agencies for asset collection and sale, management of estate debts, finalising tax obligations.
- Establishment of trusts if required.
Administering an estate can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through each step. Contact us to discuss how we can help.
Looking for a practical overview of estate administration?
Executors and administrators may find it helpful to refer to our Estate Administration Guide, which provides an in-depth overview of the estate administration process in Queensland.