It depends on the assets involved and the complexity of the will and your circumstances. Generally, allow three months to obtain probate and then a further six months to distribute the estate.
Your first job as executor is to arrange the funeral and cremation or burial arrangements. You'll also need to secure any assets of the estate to ensure they are safe and so you know who has the keys to any vehicles or real property. Make sure that any valuable assets are insured and when the insurance policies are up for renewal.
It will normally take a few weeks for the death certificate to be sent to you in the post and when you receive it we suggest you and your co-executors catch up with us (either in person or via videoconference) to start to work through the information we need to help you with the estate process.
Unless the assets involved are minimal (or if the significant assets are held in joint names), you'll usually need to obtain a grant of probate. This means we'll need to file an application with the probate office with an affidavit signed by each of the acting executors, the original will, and an inventory of the assets and liabilities of the estate. Before we submit the application we'll also need to advertise your intention to apply for the grant.
Once probate is granted, this will provide you with the authority to start to deal with the estate assets and we can help you collect the proceeds of bank accounts, sell real estate, pay out any liabilities and ultimately distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. We suggest that you wait for six months before distributing the estate as this is the time frame in which an eligible person could bring a claim against the estate.
You don’t have to drive too far to see Bec slaying her guitar with her pub rock cover band. The volume is quite a contrast to her upbringing on a peaceful farm! Bec comes from three generations of dairy farmers in Camperdown. That’s a lot of legacy, life experience and appreciation for practicality – all of which she naturally applies in her advice. And her clients love her for it.
Shaun cherishes the sense of community living in Camperdown, having moved from Geelong seven years ago. It’s no wonder he enjoys playing team sports, such as cricket, tennis and soccer. He and his lovely wife also have a young son and two dogs to run around after.
Our Meags grew up on a dairy farm near Cobden and has a genuine knack for people. It’s no wonder that she’s a wonderful host and embraces every moment she can, feeding food (and wine) to her friends and family at home. We all wish we could score an invite to her place at Christmas. Just maybe not when the Magpies are playing on TV. Yep, another Collingwood nutter!
Grace loves the convenience of how close everything is in the country. From work, family, the supermarket and of course, her home. She grew up in Colac and learnt a lot of life experience from her parents who run a business in the ag industry. If you haven’t been lucky enough to meet her in the office just yet, find her watching the local Colac Tigers come the weekend.
Ash's upbringing revolved around shearing sheds, saleyards and running amok in the NSW bush. She's now enjoying bringing up her young son on the Bellarine and enjoying all that this area has to offer. If you ask Ash about football, she’ll tell you the Bombers are due for some strong finals action. We think she'll be waiting some time yet!
Our Saint ’Nick’ is not just a St Kilda supporter. He’s an avid video game player and enjoys listening to music to accompany the relaxing atmosphere of country life. We’re not sure if it’s his choice in football teams that makes him ultra-resilient or his two younger brothers. Maybe ask him when you chat to him next.
Sally relishes the space to live and breathe with her family on their dairy farm. She says she’s happiest when she’s surrounded by her husband, kids and grandies. When she wants to ramp up the volume from the quiet countryside, she will listen to music and hunt down quality concerts.
Jules was born in Colac and has been part of the family since 1985. When the Bombers are not flying high, chances are you’ll find Jules in her happy place; home. Her kids are all grown up now, so when they are not around, she showers her flowers and fur babies with love.
Have you ever had the privilege of striking up a conversation with our Maz? She loves to travel. She’s your go to, especially if you have dreams of heading to the dazzling Greek Islands. Not just an experienced traveller, Maz is devoted to her family, and loves grabbing a cuppa locally with her other half, Ian.
Jan’s family are lovers of sport. She says she’s surrounded by three Tigers supporters, being her hubby and two kids. We guess it’s safe to assume her barracking for the Kangaroos is drowned out at home. Yet, her voice is much appreciated around our office. When she’s not watching the footy, you’ll find her catching up with friends and family, gardening, cooking at the beach or out walking.
One for detail, there’s no surprise that our Eb is an avid reader. If you’re looking for a new book, you now know who to ask! Eb’s also a true superhuman and is adored by her six kids. Yep, six! With that much of a handful, we’re still not sure how she finds time to read so much! We all try to take a leaf out of her book.
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