Probate and estate administration involve managing a loved one’s affairs after they pass away, often at a time when emotions are high and responsibilities feel unfamiliar. Clear guidance can help reduce uncertainty and support a more orderly and considered administration process.
We help:
Understand what probate and estate administration involve and when it is required
Gain clarity around the responsibilities and steps involved in acting as an executor or administrator
Move through the administration process with greater confidence, clarity and control
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)
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Losing a loved one often brings additional responsibilities at an already challenging time. You may be unsure what probate involves, what is expected of you, or how to begin fulfilling your duties as an executor or administrator.
Estate administration can involve dealing with numerous documents, many institutions and competing timeframes. This can add complexity to the process, which we understand can be difficult.
We help you work through your responsibilities in a calm and practical way, so the estate is administered clearly and in an organised manner.
Our Services Include
Reviewing documentation relating to the will and the estate
Identifying and valuing estate assets, including locating assets that may not be immediately apparent
Preparing and lodging applications for grants of probate or letters of administration
Assisting with estate liabilities, including debts and taxation matters
Establishing trusts and distributing estate assets where required
Preparing estate accounts and supporting clear communication with beneficiaries
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 the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between an 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.
Book a Consult
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.
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Award winning team
Andrew Henshaw
Managing Director
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)
A Guide to the Probate Lawyer Process in a Nutshell
Losing a loved one is hard enough without the additional stress that comes with applying for and obtaining a grant of probate. You can experience many roadblocks during the process. Our probate lawyers in Melbourne can help you navigate the challenges and understand the steps involved.
If you are the executor of an estate, the task of applying for probate can be daunting. If you are not an executor, or if there is no valid will or no executor able or willing to act, you may need to apply for letters of administration instead. First, you will need to obtain the death certificate and collect information about the deceased’s properties, assets, and debts. This usually involves searching their bank accounts, superannuation interests, insurance policies, and tax records.
Our probate solicitors can help reduce the burden on you as the executor. We can support you with:
Settling valid debts and tax liabilities and paying them from the estate.
Establishing testamentary trusts in accordance with the terms of the will.
Assisting with estate dispute claims, including mediation where appropriate.
Preparing account documentation for the beneficiaries of the estate.
Hiring a Probate Lawyer or Solicitor 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 may seem 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 role you have accepted if you hire one of our probate lawyers. You remain responsible as executor, and we provide legal advice and manage the process in accordance with your instructions and the law. We will offer practical advice, clear next steps, and regular updates throughout the process. Some other reasons to consider hiring our probate lawyers include:
Avoiding unnecessary delays: Your role is to administer the estate efficiently and in accordance with your duties. Our legal assistance can help reduce avoidable delays and ensure procedural requirements are properly met.
Reducing the risk of error or personal liability: If this is the first time you’ve been an executor, it can be easy to overlook an important step in the probate process, which could lead to missed deadlines, errors, or potential personal liability. Having legal support can help minimise these risks and reduce the likelihood of family conflict or estate disputes.
Managing potential disputes appropriately: If issues arise, early legal advice can assist in addressing claims or concerns before they escalate and require formal court intervention.
How Can a Probate Solicitor Help?
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 assist the executor in communicating decisions and managing disputes in accordance with their legal duties. 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 probate lawyers in Melbourne to guide you through the process, contact Velocity Legal for practical advice and support. Book a call with our team today. Read Less
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probate?
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Probate is the process of obtaining formal authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate. It provides legal recognition that allows an executor or administrator to act on behalf of the estate.
What tasks are typically involved in estate administration?
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Estate administration can involve identifying assets, liabilities and financial arrangements, as well as coordinating with financial institutions and other organisations. This process often requires reviewing records and documentation to establish what forms part of the estate.
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 should I do first as an executor or administrator?
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The starting point often involves obtaining key documents and gaining an overview of the estate’s assets and liabilities. Understanding what information needs to be gathered can help clarify the steps involved as the administration process progresses.
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.
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