It depends on the assets involved and the complexity of the circumstances. Generally, allow three months to obtain letters of administration and then a further six months to distribute the estate.
Depending on your relationship with the person who has died without a will, you may need to take some legal steps to give you the authority to act as administrator.
If you're the "next of kin" (usually the spouse or a child of the person who has died), then we suggest you arrange a time to catch up with us where we'll chat about your family, the assets and liabilities involved, and who will be the beneficiaries in accordance with law.
Then if necessary, we can help you complete the paperwork to make application for "letters of administration", which involves an affidavit signed by you setting out why you are the right person to be in charge, and an inventory of assets and liabilities of the estate. Before we submit the application, we'll need to advertise your intention to apply for letters of administration (in case anyone can produce a valid will or objects to your right to apply).
Once letters of administration is granted, we can help you collect the proceeds of bank accounts, sell real property, pay out any liabilities and ultimately distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. We suggest that you wait for 6 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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