Probate administration step-by-step checklist (AU)
Estate administration runs in parallel workstreams — asset collection, creditors, tax, and family provision. This checklist covers the 12 milestones across a typical 9–12 month administration.
This is a 12-step probate administration checklist covering the full deceased estate process from death to final distribution. It covers grant of probate, asset collection, creditor notices, debt and tax obligations, family provision, and distribution. Use it as the master file plan for each estate.
The checklist
Secure original will and death certificate
Locate the original will, death certificate, and any codicils. Confirm executor's capacity and willingness to act.
Preliminary asset and liability inventory
Prepare a preliminary inventory — banks, superannuation, property, investments, debts, and joint assets.
Apply for grant of probate
Prepare and file the application for grant of probate in the relevant state Supreme Court.
Advertise intention to apply
Publish notice of intention to apply under state rules before filing.
Publish creditor notice
After grant, publish a creditor notice under the state Trustee Act to limit executor liability for unknown claims.
Collect estate assets
Collect bank accounts, investments, superannuation benefits, and any life insurance. Transfer to an estate account.
Pay debts and funeral expenses
Pay funeral and testamentary expenses, secured debts, and unsecured creditors in statutory order.
Prepare deceased estate tax return
Prepare date of death (individual) and estate income tax returns. Apply deceased estate CGT rollovers where available.
Address superannuation death benefits
Confirm superannuation death benefit pathway — binding nominations, trustee discretion, or estate payment.
Family provision limitation period
Diarise the family provision limitation period in the relevant state. Do not distribute before the period closes.
Interim and final distributions
Consider interim distributions after creditor periods close; make final distribution only after all provision claims resolve.
Final estate accounts and executor release
Prepare final estate accounts; seek release from beneficiaries before winding up the estate.
When this checklist applies
Use this checklist as the master file plan for each estate administration from the first client conference through to final distribution.
Common pitfalls
- Distributing before the family provision limitation period closes
- Missing the creditor notice — personal executor liability for unknown debts
- Overlooking superannuation death benefit pathway
- Treating the estate and any testamentary trust as interchangeable
- No deceased estate tax return prepared — ATO default assessments
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio runs probate administration with structured milestones, auto-populates executor letters, and tracks limitation periods. See /practice-areas/wills-estates-lawyers or start a free trial.
Probate and estate administration is state-based. Confirm specific procedures and limitation periods against the applicable state Act.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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