Estate Administration

If a person owns land in their own name, or if any asset in their estate is worth more than $15,000.00, the executors will need to apply for a grant of probate of the Will. If a person does not have a Will, then Letters of Administration may be required in order to have the legal authority to deal with a deceased person’s affairs.

We can assist with the administration of an estate following death. This can include:

• Assisting with funeral arrangements;

• Taking an inventory of the assets and liabilities of the deceased;

• Meeting with the personal representatives named in the Will;

• Advising on any relationship property issues arising;

• Applying for and obtaining probate through the High Court;

• Transferring property, closing bank accounts, advertising for creditors, paying debts and tax due;

• Meeting with the beneficiaries of the Will to keep them updated throughout the administration process and managing any conflicts that may arise;

• Providing advice regarding the mandatory statutory period where the terms of the Will can be challenged; and

• Distributing the assets and accounting for everything in a final statement or set of accounts.

If you are an executor our estates team can advise you on your responsibilities and legal liabilities. We can assist you to bring in the assets of the estate, pay the debts of estate, advise on estate tax obligations and when and how to distribute the estate. We can assist with the legal processes required, the day to day tasks and then distribute the estate in accordance with the Will or, in the case of Letters of Administration, according to the Administration Act.