Deceased Estate Administration

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 When a loved one dies it is extremely difficult for the surviving family. Not only due to the emotional stress but the significant amounts of bureaucracy involved in finalising the Deceased’s affairs. There are extensive legal obligations imposed on executors and administrators. This exposes them to liability should the obligations not be properly fulfilled. After obtaining the benefit of advice, most families hand the file over to their lawyer or a professional trustee. By doing so they divest themselves of a heavy burden. We encourage all of our client’s to focus on their personal well being and to channel their energies into work or leisure. The steps in an estate administration are set out below. However, given that every situation is unique, we encourage our client’s to meet with us to see exactly what is involved and whether they would like us to help them. 

Although we have outlined a basic overview of the estate administration process, each deceased estate has a unique asset structure. It is always difficult to tell how long it would take to wind up a deceased estate. The following list is an indication that may extend the time to completion:

1. Joint executors/administrators.
2. Superannuation disputes.

• Disputes regarding the proposed legal representative.

1. Court proceedings (e.g. Family Provision Act claims, or equitable claims).
2. Initiating wrongful death claims.
3. Multiple assets to call in (including domestic and international assets).

• Dealing with business and trust structures, and relevant government agency.
• Large share portfolios.

1. Resealing a grant of representation.
2. Complex or backlog of tax assessments.

No matter the size and complexity, the team at Guardian Wills & Probate can assist their clients in promptly attending to the administration of a deceased estate.

 In some estates it is possible to deal with the Deceased’s assets without the need to apply to the Supreme Court of Western Australia for a “grant of representation.” Probate of the Deceased’s Will, or a Grant of Letters of Administration if the deceased died “intestate,” (without a Will). Commonly, bank accounts, superannuation, life insurance, and certain interests in land are dealt with by producing the death certificate to the relevant authority. Families underestimate the time and effort required in liaising with these authorities. They often do not consider the veil of bureaucracy. In an informal administration, transactions that deal with realty require specialist skill and expertise. We would encourage you to consult with a lawyer or conveyancer should this be the case. 

 Where the deceased owned a significant asset (more than $50,000.00) or is the registered proprietor of land (not subject to co-ownership by way of a joint tenancy) it is necessary to obtain a grant of representation from the Supreme Court of Western Australia in order to administer the estate. 

 Where nobody has been appointed to be the legal personal representative by a Will, a family member (or another person) may apply to the court to be appointed. These applications are commonly non-contentious. However, there is a long list of criteria that must be met before the court approves the application. The consent of every person eligible to apply for a grant must be sought. If the Deceased left an infant child surviving them the application becomes significantly more complex. There are no “Pro-forma” application forms for these kinds of applications. It is strongly recommended that you consider advising a specialist to assist you in making intestate applications to the Court. 

 When a person dies leaving a Will determining who the ultimate beneficiaries are and the extent of their entitlements is a pretty straightforward process. This is done by reference to the terms of the will and is known as “testate distribution.” By contrast, where a person dies without a will determining who is entitled is more difficult. “Intestate distribution” is governed by the terms of s14 of the Administration 1903 (WA). S14 contains a table of various kinds of family backgrounds. It specifies, depending on who has survived the Deceased, what share each family member is to receive.