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Deceased Estate Administration

We carry out the wishes in a deceased person's will by managing assets and debts and distributing funds to chosen beneficiaries. 

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.

More ways we can help

Executor Assist

If you’ve been appointed as executor in somebody’s will and need assistance with specific tasks or you can’t perform the role for any reason, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our Executor Assist service.

Dying without a will

Dying without a will is known as dying intestate. If you or a loved one passes away without a valid will and there are no family members to assist, the law requires us to act as executor. If someone close to you has died without a will, contact us for assistance.

Executor Assist information

Speak with our team about how we can help you in your role as executor.

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“As an executor, handling another person’s Estate can be quite challenging. Someone suggested that State Trustees could assist, rather than going down the path of a Solicitor. We initially contacted State Trustees who promptly emailed both Justine and I a proposal with a scale of fees, which we thought were very reasonable.”

– John Goold

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 covered from your estate when you pass away. 

Further information

Guide

Executor assistance when you need it most

Read more
Guide

Things to know about your estate and your will

Read more
Guide

I am a beneficiary of a deceased estate

Read more

Frequently asked questions

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 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.

Can State Trustees assist me with my executor role?

Yes. We provide Executor Assist to support you in your role as executor. If you wish to retain your role as executor, State Trustees can help with executor-related tasks. Fees in relation to our services are charged to the Executor but can be reimbursed from the estate. Our experts can help whether you’re at the start of the process, or probate has been granted.

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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