The loss of a family member or friend on its own can be confronting and surreal. Bearing the responsibility for finalising their affairs adds another layer to the discomfort one may have. We have the expertise and experience to assist.
Due to the necessity of having to attend to funeral arrangements shortly after one's passing away, the first sign of a difficult estate administration may occur here. We can advise executors of their options to ensure the deceased is farewelled with as little complication as possible.
Third parties such as banks may require an executor to obtain a grant of representation before they will deal with the deceased's assets held with them. We are experienced in obtaining grants of representation such as probate (where there is a will and executor/s) or letters of administration (where there is no will or there is a will but no executors named in it are willing or able to act).
We can also identify and advise when more unusual grants may need to be sought from the court if the situation arises. This includes situations where a will may not have been properly made (e.g. the will lacked witnesses, or was not properly signed).
What do you do if the deceased had assets requiring immediate attention, such as livestock, pets or a business? How do you manage the risk of assets being lost or destroyed under your watch and what liability is attributed to you for this should it occur? We advise how to properly manage estate assets to minimise these risks.
Many people when they pass away have debts. What if the debts exceed the assets? What risks are you carrying in administering an estate in this financial position? We can advise on how to manage estates carrying significant debts, including insolvent estates.
We ensure assets are claimed in an orderly manner and the benefits provided under the will are properly distributed and accounted for.
With our experience, deceased estate administration is completed more efficiently and with fewer hassles than attempting to do it alone. We avoid the errors inexperienced operators make, and can do it in less time, with lower risk and at a lower cost.
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