“I had an excellent experience with State Trustees. The entire process of administering my late uncle’s estate was handled professionally, transparently, and with great care.”
– Ljubica K.
Deceased Estate Administration Victoria
Managing a loved one's estate can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating legal, financial and tax responsibilities. We can help with everything from estate administration to final tax returns, helping make the process simpler during an already difficult time.
Professional Deceased Estate Administration Services
Deceased estate administration is the legal process of managing someone’s assets and debts after they die. The process follows a legal will if it is in place. If there is no will, the assets and debts are deemed to be ‘intestate’, in which case the process is governed by Victorian law.
If you appoint State Trustees as the executor of your will, we take on the legal responsibility of your deceased estate administration. Our executor responsibilities include:
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Communicating with family and beneficiaries
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Arranging your funeral and burial
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Applying for the death certificate
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Applying for probate
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Handling bills and debts
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Preparing tax returns
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Handling superannuation and life insurance
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Property maintenance
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Resolving estate disputes
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Distributing gifts and assets
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Probate support
Need help with deceased estate tax returns?
One of the most commonly overlooked parts of estate administration is managing tax obligations with the Australian Tax Office (ATO)
Executors and administrators may be required to:
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Lodge a final individual tax return.
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Prepare deceased estate tax returns.
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Manage ATO correspondence.
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Obtain tax clearance before distributing assets.
Delays or errors can slow down estate administration and create additional complications.
Benefits of choosing State Trustees estate management
Stability and reliability
Hundreds of thousands of Victorians have relied on us for more than 80 years.
Expertise and experience
You can be confident you’re being guided by a team of experts who administer thousands of estates each year.
Convenience
We provide in-house support with a range of specialist services like taxation, trusts, genealogy, property, legal services and more.
Safe and secure
We identify and reduce potential legal and financial risks to safeguard your estate.
Peace of mind
We remove stress and burden from loved ones so you can have complete confidence your affairs are in good order.
Government backed
We’re backed by the Victorian Government and accountable to the people of Victoria.
Deceased Estates brochure
Information about nominating State Trustees as the executor of your estate.
Dying without a will
Why Choose State Trustees Deceased Administration Services?
- We’re a Victorian Government-backed company providing deceased estate financial management and legal services to all Victorians.
- We’ve been servicing Victorians since 1940.
- We genuinely listen to your needs.
- We’ve helped tens of thousands of Victorians with our comprehensive expertise across many specialist areas.
Our professionals are here to support you through important life moments with expert financial and legal advice.
Fee summary
Further information
Managing the estate yourself?
What is the role of an executor?
What is the role of an executor?
An executor is responsible for making sure the person’s final wishes are carried out. This can include (but not limited to) notifying beneficiaries, managing debts, arranging for pets to be looked after or mail redirected, insuring estate assets, attending to any business interests, managing legal risks, lodging tax and selling assets. For a full list, see our executor checklist.
What is deceased estate administration?
What is deceased estate administration?
Also known as ‘estate administration’, this is the process of managing and distributing someone’s assets after they die. The person who manages this process is typically called the executor (if they’ve been named in the will), or the administration (if there is no will and the court has appointed them).
What documents are required for estate management?
What documents are required for estate management?
The documents you need to manage a deceased estate in Victoria include:
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate (or a grant of probate or letter of administration)
- Certified copy of the Will
- Certified copies of either a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Do your professional estate administration services include advising on complex estates?
Do your professional estate administration services include advising on complex estates?
Yes, whether your needs are complicated or simple, State Trustees can assist.
State Trustees Limited operates on the lands of Traditional Custodians. We acknowledge their history, culture and Elders past, present and emerging. State Trustees is committed to cultivating inclusive environments for staff and clients. We celebrate and value people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures and abilities.
Original artwork ‘Four Sisters Coming Together’ by Melissa Bell 2023
Original artwork ‘Four Sisters Coming Together’ by Melissa Bell 2023