Estate Administration

Estate administration involves managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets in accordance with their will or the law. Clear guidance can help executors and administrators fulfil their responsibilities with confidence and avoid unnecessary delay or uncertainty.

We help:

Understand what estate administration involves and what is required of you
Manage estate assets, liabilities, and distributions in an orderly way
Progress the administration process with clarity and reduced stress

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4.9

73 Google Reviews

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

Selina L

I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

Mark P

They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

Natalie F

Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Bob W

4.9

73 Google Reviews

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We Understand What You Are Going Through

Acting as an executor or administrator often comes at a difficult time. You may be managing grief while also trying to understand your legal responsibilities and what steps need to be taken to administer an estate properly.

Estate administration can involve multiple tasks, timeframes, and third parties, including financial institutions, beneficiaries, and advisers. Without clear guidance, it can feel unclear how to prioritise tasks or move the process forward.

We understand the responsibility involved in estate administration. We help you work through each stage in a calm and practical way, so the estate is administered clearly and in accordance with legal requirements.

Our Services Include

Advising executors and administrators on their duties and obligations
Assisting with identifying, collecting, and managing estate assets
Supporting the payment of estate liabilities and expenses
Preparing estate accounts and distribution statements
Assisting with the distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries
Advising on issues that arise during administration, including disputes or delays

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+

Australian Based Team

4,000+

Matters Expertly Handled

10+

Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

Book Meeting
Fill in contact form or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between in-person or video conference.
Get Advice 
You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
Achieve Outcomes 
Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
Rapid response
Award winning team

Andrew Henshaw

Managing Director

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our usual approach is to:

provide you with a clear and transparent fee quote;
discuss your requirements; and
tailor a solution with your specific circumstances in mind.

A Guide to the Probate Lawyer Process in a Nutshell

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the additional stress that comes with acquiring a grant of probate. You can experience many roadblocks during the process. Our probate lawyers in Melbourne can help you navigate the challenges for a successful outcome.

If you’re an executor or legally appointed administrator of an estate, the task of applying for the probate can be daunting. Firstly, you will need to claim the death certificate and collect information about the deceased’s properties, assets, and debts. This usually involves a lengthy process of searching their bank accounts, pensions, insurance policies, and tax records. Read More

Our probate solicitors specialise in reducing the burden on you as the executor. We can support you with:

Reviewing documentation relating to the will & estate.
Contacting creditors and institutions to put a value on the estate.
Locating any unidentified assets.
Applying for the grant of probate from the Supreme Court.
Settling any debts or tax liabilities and paying them off from the estate.
Setting up trusts if instructed to do so by the testator.
Distributing assets to the beneficiaries.
Setting up mediations for dispute claims.
Preparing account documentation for the beneficiaries of the estate.

Hiring a Probate Attorney Lawyer vs. Doing It Yourself

Until you’re confronted with a stack of legal forms and regulatory procedures, you might think about going through the probate application and distribution process alone. After all, you were the executor chosen by your loved one, so it’s only right that you, and only you, should shoulder the responsibility you’ve been given. That doesn’t need to be the case. You’ll still be able to fulfil the duties of the position you’ve been granted if you hire one of our probate lawyers. You’ll be calling shots, and we’ll follow your instructions. We will offer advice and solutions and will keep you in the loop throughout the entire process. Three other reasons to consider hiring our specialists in probate law include:

Faster access to assets: Your role is to ensure that delays in accessing assets allocated to the beneficiaries of the will are kept to a minimum. Our legal assistance can help you achieve this.
To ensure that you don’t miss anything out in the process: If this is the first time you’ve been a legal executor, it can be easy to overlook an important step in the probate application process, which could lead to missed deadlines, errors, and personal liability. Having legal support can be a preventative buffer that can minimise any worries, family conflicts, and estate disputes down the line.
Avoiding the need to cover costs personally: If you fail to administer the estate correctly, you could find yourself having to use your own funds to cover the costs of lawyers if you become liable and need representation. Our probate attorney lawyers can help to ensure that this doesn’t happen in the first place.

How a Probate Solicitor Can Ease Your Difficult Time

Dealing with probate responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for those acting as an executor for the first time. The process often coincides with a period of personal grief, which can add further emotional strain. Engaging a solicitor can help simplify the legal and administrative steps, reduce delays, and allow you to focus on managing other aspects of the estate.

Where family dynamics are complex or tensions arise regarding the contents of the will, a solicitor can act as a neutral intermediary to help communicate key decisions and minimise potential conflict. In some situations, a solicitor's involvement may help prevent misunderstandings from escalating or support the resolution of issues before formal mediation becomes necessary.

Probate solicitors bring objectivity and experience to what is often a sensitive time. By managing the legal process with care and professionalism, they can reduce the burden on executors and help ensure that the estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with the law.

If you are looking for the right legal team in Melbourne to help you guide and support you throughout this process, look no further. Our team at Velocity Legal is ready to help. Book in a call with us now. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate administration?

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Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets after death. This includes dealing with assets, liabilities, and ensuring distributions are made in accordance with the will or applicable law.

Who is responsible for administering an estate?

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An estate is usually administered by an executor named in the will, or an administrator appointed where there is no will. The role involves legal and practical responsibilities.

How long does estate administration usually take?

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Timeframes vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, the nature of the assets involved, and whether any issues arise. Some estates can be administered relatively quickly, while others take longer.

What are the main duties of an executor or administrator?

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Duties commonly include identifying and managing assets, paying debts and expenses, preparing accounts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

What happens if issues arise during estate administration?

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Issues such as disputes, missing assets, or delays can arise during administration. Seeking advice can help clarify options and support the orderly progression of the estate.