What is Deceased Estate?
Answer: a time-consuming legal process
Many institutions such as banks won’t release your relative’s assets without a grant of probate. Obtaining a grant can mean a lot of red tape, paperwork and bureaucracy.
That’s where our deceased estate lawyers in Melbourne come into the picture.
The last thing you want to deal with after you lose a loved one is talking to a lawyer. We get that – that’s why we treat each client with the respect, tact and sensitivity they deserve and streamline the process for them in dealing with their loved ones estate.
Applying for a grant of representation: how long does it take?
Like with most legal applications, applying for a grant of representation is more complicated than just filling out forms
It’s a multi-staged process which often can take several weeks, or months to resolve.
How long exactly? It depends on your loved one’s estate.
No matter how big the task, our team works hard to ensure this step is as effortless as possible.
Our deceased estate lawyers in Melbourne focus on getting the probate process out of the way, allowing you and your relatives to get out of limbo and enjoy financial security sooner, rather than later.
Step 1: do you need a grant of probate?
Not all estates need a grant of probate. In cases where the total value of a relative’s estate is low, a death certificate and Will may be enough.
Do you need a grant of probate? It depends on your relative’s estate, as well as the requirements of institutions such as banks and super funds. Our probate lawyers cut through the legalese, and can help you navigate this complicated process.
Step 1: determine what type of grant you need
There are two types of grants of representation.
(1) Grant of Probate – where a person dies with a will.
(2) A Grant of Letters of Administration – where a person dies without a will.
The process of applying for a grant of representation can be difficult. Let our deceased estate lawyers take care of this time-consuming step for you.
Step 2: advertising your intention
While it may sound like an unnecessary step, this step is crucial in settling the affairs of your loved one’s estate.
At Danaher Moulton, our goal is to make the process as simple as possible.
Step 3: filing your application
Can you believe that probate applications still need to be filed in person with the probate office in Lonsdale Street? Even with everything else going digital? Ridiculous!
Struggling with your application? Can’t make the time to travel down to Melbourne’s CBD? Our probate lawyers Melbourne take the burden off your shoulders, collecting the appropriate documentation and attending the probate office on your behalf.
Letters of Administration
Did you know? Half of all Australians don’t have a Will
What happens to their estate? Who will administer and distribute their assets and wealth?
If your loved one was one of the millions of Australians who doesn’t have grant of a Will, you may need to apply for a Letters of Administration – a process that can be time-consuming and difficult.
Our commitment to make the process as smooth as possible to guide you through the technical legal process of distributing the estate.
No Will
No Will? That’s a problem… but it doesn’t have to be a big one.
Improper Will
Our user-friendly approach to law ensures your loved one’s estate is dealt with expeditiously.
No executor
Who will carry out your loved one’s final wishes if the executor is unable to perform their duties, and no substitute executor has been named?
You know your relative best – however, you don’t have the legal documentation needed to take over as executor. Luckily, our probate lawyers can help with that.
The circumstances have changed
But what happens then? Our deceased estate lawyer will be able to assist you in this issue.
A lawyer in Hawthorn with a difference
Boring. Stressful. Serious. Dragging. These are words often used to describe the probate application and administration process.
They’re also words we strive to avoid, and not just when filing applications – we prefer words like sensitive, compassionate and genuine.
Danaher Moulton understands that the deceased estate process can feel callous and indifferent towards your grief. Who wants to deal with a mountain of paperwork so soon after losing a loved one or close relative?
We get it – that’s why we make it our mission to provide the most compassionate approach possible when looking after your loved one’s affairs..
Deceased estate cases require a sensitive and personable approach, which you’ll find in our Hawthorn law office.
7 steps to achieving
your goals
Engaging a lawyer doesn’t have to be a long-winded process
We understand each deceased estate family are different. That is why one size does not fit all. Our deceased estate lawyers work with you to find solutions for you and tailor their advice to your specific circumstances.