Deceased Estate

Managing a deceased estate can be a complex and emotional process. At Verge Legal, we provide expert legal services to guide you through every step of handling a deceased estate, from obtaining necessary legal documents to distributing assets and addressing estate taxes. Our aim is to ensure that the administration of the estate is conducted smoothly and in accordance with Australian law.

Letters of Administration

When a person dies intestate (without a will), or the will does not appoint an executor, Letters of Administration are required to manage and distribute the deceased’s estate.

Our Services for Letters of Administration Include:

Application Assistance
We assist in applying for Letters of Administration, including preparing and lodging the necessary forms with the court.
Advising on Eligibility
Verge Legal provides guidance on the eligibility requirements for applying for Letters of Administration and helps identify the appropriate person to act as the administrator of the estate.
Handling Administration Duties
Once Letters of Administration are granted, we offer support in fulfilling administrative responsibilities, including collecting and managing estate assets and addressing claims from creditors.

Grant of Probate

A Grant of Probate is a court order that confirms the validity of a will and authorises the executor to manage and distribute the deceased’s estate according to the will.

Our Services for Grant of Probate Include:

Applying for Probate
We guide executors through the process of applying for a Grant of Probate, including preparing the probate application, gathering necessary documents, and submitting the application to the court.
Validating the Will
Verge Legal ensures that the will is valid and complies with legal requirements, addressing any challenges that may arise during the probate process.
Executor Support
We assist executors in fulfilling their duties, including managing estate assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate according to the will.

Estate Taxes

Managing estate taxes is crucial for ensuring that the deceased’s estate is handled efficiently and that tax liabilities are minimised. 

Our Services for Estate Taxes Include:

Tax Planning and Advice
Verge Legal provides advice on estate tax planning to optimise tax outcomes and ensure compliance with Australian tax laws.
Filing Tax Returns
We assist in preparing and filing necessary tax returns for the deceased estate, including income tax returns and any relevant estate or inheritance taxes.
Addressing Tax Issues
Our team helps resolve any tax issues that may arise during the administration of the estate, including negotiating with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if necessary.

Deed of Family Arrangement

A Deed of Family Arrangement is a formal agreement between family members that alters the distribution of the deceased’s estate, often used to resolve disputes or address specific family needs.

Our Services for Deed of Family Arrangement Include:

Drafting and Negotiation
Verge Legal assists in drafting and negotiating a Deed of Family Arrangement to ensure that it reflects the agreed-upon changes and is legally binding.
Mediating Disputes
We help mediate any disputes among family members to reach a fair and equitable arrangement that satisfies all parties involved.
Implementing the Deed
Once the Deed of Family Arrangement is finalised, we provide support in implementing the agreed changes to the estate distribution.

Distribution and Dealing with Assets

The distribution of assets involves managing and transferring the deceased’s property and financial assets to beneficiaries, ensuring that the estate is administered in accordance with the will or applicable laws.

Our Services for Distribution and Dealing with Assets Include:

Asset Valuation and Management
Verge Legal helps in valuing and managing estate assets, including real estate, investments, and personal property.
Handling Claims
We assist in addressing and resolving any claims or disputes related to the estate’s assets, ensuring that all legal obligations are met.
Transferring Assets
Our team facilitates the transfer of assets to beneficiaries, including preparing and filing necessary documentation to effectuate the distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you help me?

Firstly, we will reach out to you to gain a deeper understanding of your situation. Subsequently, we will assign a lawyer who will engage in a conversation with you, either through a phone call or an in-person meeting, in order to provide an initial assessment of your case. We will then explain your available options and advise you on the next steps you should take to solve your legal problem.

How long will it take to resolve my matter?

We take pride in having the fastest response times in the industry.

For every inquiry, we guarantee an initial response within 24 hours.

After the initial consultation, you will have a better idea of the timeline for the next steps required.

Which lawyer will I be assigned?

After we receive your initial inquiry, we will allocate a specialist lawyer in the relevant practice area to give you an initial assessment of the matter.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of our firm, we can assign an expert lawyer to your matter no matter the type or the scale of your matter.

Alternatively, you can request to speak to a particular lawyer.

How much do you charge?

At Verge Legal we have a policy of making full disclosure of all estimated legal fees and disbursements right at the start of each matter.

By law, we are required to give you a comprehensive costs agreement and costs disclosure which will outline how are fees are charged. You can take comfort in the knowledge that there will be no hidden fees or surprises.

We offer fixed fees for certain matters such as conveyancing and transactional deals. For others such as litigation, we generally charge an hourly rate.

We work hard to ensure that our rates are competitive. You can discuss with us a mutually suitable fee arrangement.

I have never worked with lawyers before, what should I know about you?

Before you engage any lawyer you should check that they are listed on the Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSBC) Register of Lawyers.

You can rest assured in the knowledge that we are a fully accredited and insured incorporated law practice and all our lawyers hold current practising certificates.

What they say

Our Testimonials

Get in Touch Today

If you require assistance, please contact us today. We pride ourselves on providing clear communication and no-nonsense legal advice. Our dedicated team will ensure that your case receives the attention it deserves.

Step 1

Contact us and let us know your legal problem.

Step 2

We will select the right lawyer based on practice area and expertise.

Step 3

You will be scheduled to meet with the best lawyer for your circumstances as soon as possible.

Step 4

Speak to our expert lawyer who will explain to you the relevant law and list the options available to you.