Make sure that your estate is properly finalised.

Once a person has passed away there are a number of steps that need to be taken to finalise their estate.

A will appoints a personal representative and it is their duty to gather in all the property of the deceased, pay any debts owing and then distribute the estate.

The personal representative is normally assisted by a solicitor with the administration of the estate, and includes the following:

• Obtaining probate/letters of administration.
• Arranging for funds for dependants in the short term.
• Writing letters to banks, superannuation funds, life assurance companies, stockbrokers, mortgages of any property and various other places to verify assets and liabilities to preserve the estate and then submitting requirements for payment of assets.
• Letter to beneficiaries regarding payment of benefits.
• Lodging any necessary documents with the Titles Office for transfer of property.
• Assisting with the establishment of any trust under the will.