Has a close family member recently passed away, and you have been left to administer the estate?

We recognise that this can be a painful and stressful time, as you try to deal not only with the grief which comes with losing a loved one but also at the same time are required to sort out the significant and often complicated legal issues.

Hear directly from our clients on what it is like working with our probate and administration team:

Don’t handle it alone – let us take the stress out of everything. 

I found Sarah to be very helpful with regards to managing my wife’s estate after she passed away, her guidance and positive friendly manner took away all the stress, and made it so much easier

Zita Barber

 

Navigating the Probate and Administration Process

If the deceased left a Will, the proper process is an application for what’s called a ‘Grant of Probate‘ with the Supreme Court of Victoria. Assuming there are no objections to the Will during a specified period of time, the estate is generally distributed according to the Will.

On the other hand, Letters of Administration are applied for where the deceased has not left a Will, or a Will cannot be found. The estate is then generally distributed according to the rules of intestacy – prescribed formulas specifying who things go to when someone dies without a Will.

An Experienced Team – you are in safe hands!

Our team is highly experienced; headed by an accredited Wills and Estates specialist; you can be sure your matter has professionals assisting you all the way through.

Meet the Wills and Estates Team who will be handling your matter

Clare Sunderland
Senior Lawyer
Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates
Monique Menahem
Lawyer
Natalie Johnston
Lawyer
Aidan Neilson
Lawyer
Sarah Holt
Law Clerk
Shannon Korn
Legal Secretary
Sharon Lockington
Legal Secretary
Eryn Gillies
Legal Secretary
Laura Reimer
Legal Secretary
Catherine Pavlidakis
Junior Legal Assistant

 

Everyone was very supportive, Sarah Holt in particular was fantastic to deal with, friendly, professional, knowledgeable and very efficient in attending to Dad’s Estate. Her assistance was invaluable.

 Clare, Josh and Benjamin were also working on my matter, and it was great knowing I had a team of professionals looking after me. Highly recommend Johnstone & Reimer – thank you.

Kel Osborne

What happens at the initial consultation?

We provide a no cost initial consultation. This is really important, because we understand that the decision of who to hire to take care of the running of your loved one’s estate is a deeply personal and often emotional one.probate lawyers You need to trust us to ensure your loved one’s wishes are carried out.

You need to know that you can communicate well with us and that you will be heard and understood. That’s why a big part of that initial appointment is about us getting to know you and you getting to know us:

We explain how the system works, so you know exactly what to expect,

You have a chance to ask any questions you may have – we will try to make things less overwhelming!

If you are comfortable with us handling your matter after the first meeting, we can discuss what’s involved from there.

Book Your Free Consultation

Call our office on (03) 8658-0040 to book your free initial consultation now with one of our probate and administration lawyers, or book in a time which suits to discuss your matter using our online calendar: