How we can help you after the funeral
Coping with the loss of a loved one can be difficult enough without having to finalise their affairs as well. Especially if you’re not an expert in business, law or finance. That’s where State Trustees can help.
So, you've been appointed Executor?
Just because you've been nominated as executor doesn't mean you have to accept. Taking on this responsibility may not be the right thing for you, or your family.
Being Executor, even in the most straightforward of situations, can take considerable time.
If you decide not to take on the role of Executor we are here to help.
As Victoria’s leading estate administrators, we can help take care of everything according to your loved one’s wishes and in the best interests of their beneficiaries.
Here are some of the tasks you may be responsible for as Executor.
In the first 4 months
- Locate the Will
- Assist with and pay for the funeral, including special wishes of the deceased
- Secure their home, businesses, belongings and arrange for pets to be cared for
- Redirect mail and pay outstanding bills
- Apply for a Grant at the Probate Office
- Check the validity of the Will and its witnesses
- Locate and notify beneficiaries, including those overseas
- Place a ‘Notice of Intention’ on the Supreme Court website, and ‘Notice to Creditors’ in newspapers
- Prepare an inventory of assets and liabilities and obtain valuations
From 5–10 months
- Maintain or wind up any businesses
- Locate and gather all cash deposits, super, life insurance and investments
- Sell real estate and other assets
- Invest funds in a prudent manner
- Lodge tax returns to date of death
- Deal with challenges to the Will or legal action against the estate
- Keep detailed records of all transactions
- Resolve disputes between beneficiaries
After 10–12 months
- Finalise estate by selling assets or transferring them to beneficiaries
-
Lodge final tax return for the estate
Note: this timeline is only approximate. When disputes arise or claims are made against an estate things can go on for much longer. However, if you transfer the responsibility to State Trustees, we can do everything instead of you – as well as relieve you of the burden of liability for decisions.
For more information about State Trustees and how we can help you
