Wills & Probate

Your Will

Having a valid Will is the best way to ensure that once you pass away, your family members and loved ones will be adequately provided for and the chances of family squabbles about your estate will be reduced. PJW Lawyers are experienced in drafting and amending Wills, Contesting Wills and how to minimise the risk of litigation concerning your will, administering estates and dividing assets.

Executors

Executors are usually named in the Will of the deceased. An executor have a number of duties including distributing the deceased estate; paying debts and arranging the funeral.

If there is no valid Will or the person nominated to be the executor is unable or unwilling to discharge the duties, the Supreme Court can appoint an administrator to deal with the estate.

What is a Grant of Probate?

Executors may be asked to prove that they are authorised to administer the Will before the assets can be released and this can be proved with the Grant of Probate.

Probate is an Order passed by the Supreme Court confirming that a Will is the last valid Will of the deceased and it allows an executor, named in the Will, to collect and distribute the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will.

To obtain a Grant of Probate from the Court, the executor should make an application within 6 months of the deceased’s death. The deceased’s assets are completely frozen until Probate has been granted.

How can PJW Lawyers Help?

Matters relating to deceased estates can be complex and often involve a substantial amount of paperwork. We have an experienced team who can help you through the legal proceedings and guide you in every step of the process.

If you are an executor of a deceased estate, feel free to contact our team of experts to provide assistance. We can also help you obtain a Grant of Probate.

Talk to our experienced lawyers. Contact Picton PJW Lawyers on 02 4677 2022 today.