Deceased Estate Administration Victoria

When we are appointed as the executor in your will, we take on the legal responsibility for your estate.

What we do

When we are appointed as the executor in your will, we take on the legal responsibility for your estate including:
  • Communicating with family and beneficiaries

  • Arranging your funeral and burial 

  • Applying for the death certificate 

  • Applying for probate 

  • Handling bills and debts

  • Preparing tax returns

  • Handling superannuation and life insurance

  • Property maintenance 

  • Resolving estate disputes 

  • Distributing gifts and assets 

As Victoria’s leading provider of deceased estate administration, we take the pressure off your loved ones at a difficult time. Our experience can also help you to get the best possible outcomes.

Benefits of choosing State Trustees

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Stability and reliability

Hundreds of thousands of Victorians have relied on us for more than 80 years.

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Expertise and experience

You can be confident you’re being guided by a team of experts who administer thousands of estates each year.

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Convenience

We provide in-house support with a range of specialist services like taxation, trusts, genealogy, property, legal services and more.

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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.

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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

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.

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“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.

Fee summary

Whether you create your will on your own, with a lawyer, or with State Trustees, there’s no fee to appoint us as your Executor. Fees only apply if our experts help you prepare your will. The fees for administering your estate are paid from your estate when you pass away.  

Further information

Executor assistance when you need it most

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Things to know about your estate and your will

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I am a beneficiary of a deceased estate

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Empowering positive ageing: State Trustees Australia Foundation grants $750k

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State Trustees Australia Foundation Supports Youth Initiatives in Regional Victoria

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State Trustees Australia Foundation distributes $250k to 13 charities

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Will and Power of Attorney: Understanding the difference

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What is Enduring Power of Attorney in Victoria?

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When should Enduring Powers of Attorney be established?

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Protect yourself from financial vulnerability

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What to consider when choosing an aged care facility

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How to spot and report elder abuse

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Guide

Will Writing Guide

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Guide

Seniors Guide to Estate Planning

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Guide

Powers of Attorney Explained

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Frequently asked questions

What’s an executor and who should I consider?

An executor is a person or professional you choose to manage your estate and carry out your wishes after you pass away.  They are legally responsible for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your will, handle any outstanding debts and taxes, and oversee the overall administration of your estate. Many Victorians prefer not to burden their loved ones with the complicated financial and legal matters that an executor is responsible for.  That’s where a professional executor like State Trustees can be a great option. 

What is the role of an executor?

An executor is legally 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 checklist.

Can I choose State Trustees as executor?

Yes, you can. We can take the burden from family or loved ones or step in when you have no one to appoint to do what can be a complex and time-consuming task. We are an independent, highly experienced and impartial executor. We administer more deceased estates than any other organisation in Victoria.

Related services

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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