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Deceased Estates
What is Probate, and do I need to apply for it?
Probate in Victoria is the legal process of proving and registering a deceased person's last Will with the Supreme Court of Victoria.
It involves confirming that the Will is valid, appointing an executor (or confirming the executor named in the Will), and granting them authority to administer the deceased person's estate.
The executor then manages the deceased person's assets, pays any outstanding debts, taxes, and distributes the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the Will.
Whether you should apply for probate depends on various factors such as the size and complexity of the estate, the existence of a valid Will, and the nature of the assets involved. Generally, if the deceased person owned real estate, significant assets, or complex financial holdings, applying for probate is advisable to ensure proper distribution and legal protection for the executor.
However, in simpler cases where the estate is small and straightforward, probate may not be necessary.
Contact us for a confidential, no obligation discussion.
Learn More
The death of a loved one can bring with it a lot of stress and confusion. Often one of the first people go to for help is a lawyer.
Woolcock Lawyers have been working with families for over 20 years with applying for probate or letters of administration (also known as a grant of representation), and administering a deceased estate.
We can give initial advice on what happens as soon as someone has died, and then help the executors obtain the Will (if there is one), apply for the grant of representation from the Supreme Court, notify the beneficiaries, and handle the finer administrative details.
Estate Planning
Express Service
One thing we understand at Woolcock Lawyers is that not everyone needs all the bells and whistles. With our Express Service, you tell us exactly what document you need to get you across the line.
The express service is intended to be used for temporary one-off quick solutions.
Basic Packages
We all have to start somewhere. Woolcock Lawyers has designed a suite of estate planning documents perfect for individuals and families just starting out.
Choosing the Basic Package will ensure you and your family are covered with the basics giving you peace of mind.
Private Clients
Woolcock Lawyers are technical experts, with years of experience working with high-net-worth Private Clients and their trusted financial advisers.
We understand family dynamics, complex commercial and trust structures, and superannuation. Woolcock Lawyers prides itself on working with you and your team to achieve the best succession plan for you and your dependents.