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Letters of Administration

Letters of Administration

When there’s no Will, we bring clarity and direction.

When someone dies without a Will, it’s called dying intestate. In this case, a Grant of Probate isn’t possible. Instead, someone close to the deceased must apply for Letters of Administration to manage the estate and the assets will be divided among surviving family members. 

If this sounds complicated, it can be – but that’s where we come in.

At Perth Probate Centre, we specialise in helping grieving families through the legal process of intestacy. We’ll help you work out if you can apply, what the next steps are, and how to get it done as smoothly and quickly as possible.

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our services

Work with Perth's leading experts in deceased estate law

You don’t need to figure this out alone. We’re here to explain the legal process, take care of the details, and ease the pressure when it matters most.

LOA Guided DIY

$1,495

Prefer to manage things yourself but want a lawyer to set you up?

We’ll prepare your application. You take care of signing and Court filing.

Plus Court filing fee $408.

This package includes:

  • An application for Letters of Administration by a beneficiary of the estate
  • Preparing consent notices
  • 15 minute telephone call with our experienced team
  • Instructions for you to sign and file your application at the Court

Please note: The Court charges a separate filing fee of $408.

This option is best suited to simple estates where the deceased and applicant reside in WA.

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Recommended

Application for Letters of Administration

$1,995

Need it done fast – and done for you?

We prepare your application in advance, then meet you to sign it and we’ll submit it to the Court.

Plus Court filing fee $408.

This service includes:

  • Application for Letters of Administration by an adult beneficiary of the estate
  • Up to three consent notices (if needed)
  • An in-person appointment (up to 30 minutes) to sign and witness your application
  • Court filing and delivery of the grant

Please note: The Court charges a separate filing fee of $408.

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LOA Plus

$2,995

LOA + expert advice to guide the whole estate process.

Our premium service includes preparation of your Application for Letters of Administration, plus tailored legal advice on what to do next. Ideal if you’re unsure what happens after the grant.

Plus Court filing fee $408. 

This service includes:

  • Application for Letters of Administration by an adult beneficiary of the estate
  • Up to three consent notices (if needed)
  • 60-minute conference with a probate lawyer
  • Court filing and delivery of the grant
  • Personalised step-by-step estate administration guide

Please note: The Court charges a separate filing fee of $408.

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Prefer us to handle everything for you?

Reach out to our team and ask about our full estate administration service – for those who want the entire process taken care of, from start to finish.

Do you need a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration?

A Grant of Probate is a Court order confirming that a person’s Will is valid and giving the executor authority to administer the estate.

A Grant of Letters of Administration is made when a person dies without a Will. It appoints an administrator who is then responsible for the estate. 

Does the estate include real estate?
Real estate means any interest in land - e.g. a home or investment property. If you are unsure, ask us to carry out a Landgate search.
Is the real estate owned as a joint tenant with another person?
Joint tenants is a type of joint ownership that is common between married couples and de facto partners. Property owned as a joint tenant will pass by survivorship to the surviving tenant and won't form part of a person's estate. If you are unsure, ask us to carry out a Landgate search.
Does the estate include a financial asset valued at more than $20,000?
For example, a bank account or shares.
Are all the financial assets owned jointly with another person?
Bank accounts owned in joint names with another person will pass automatically to the survivor and won't form part of the estate.
Did the deceased leave a Will? *
Do any of the following circumstances apply?
  • You are unsure whether the Will was properly signed or witnessed
  • You are unsure if the deceased had full mental capacity when the Will was signed
  • The Will is vague or unclear
  • There is any possibility of a dispute arising
  • Any beneficiary is under 18 years of age
You will need a Grant of Probate to administer the estate.

A Grant of Probate is a Court order confirming that a person’s Will is valid and giving the executor authority to administer the estate.

If you’ve been named executor, we know it can feel overwhelming. Probate , paperwork, asset transfers – it’s a lot. But we do this every day, and we’re here to make it easy for you. From the grant right through to the final distribution, we’ll guide you through every step.

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You will need a Grant of Letters of Administration to administer the estate.

When someone dies without a Will, it’s called dying intestate. In this case, a Grant of Probate isn’t possible. Instead, someone close to the deceased must apply for Letters of Administration to manage the estate and the assets will be divided among surviving family members. 

If this sounds complicated, it can be – but that’s where we come in.

We specialise in helping grieving families through the legal process of intestacy. We’ll help you work out if you can apply, what the next steps are, and how to get it done as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Get in touch
It is unlikley that you need a Grant to administer the estate.

If the assets are owned jointly with another person or are of a small value, you won't need a Grant to administer the estate.

Instead, you may need help with transferring joint assets (such as real estate) to a surviving owner, superannuation death benefit claims or disputes. If you need help, get in touch. We’ll make it easier, clearer and far less stressful.

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The application process

Get started online here, call our warm and welcoming team on (08) 9220 4490 or email .

We’ll help you figure out the best path forward. To start, we’ll just need: 

  • Your full name
  • The full name of the person who has passed
  • A quick summary of the situation (if you’re unsure what service you need)

Legal guide

Need help with an estate?

Our plain-English legal guide has comprehensive and practical advice to help you to take charge and finalise the estate.

  • The duties and tasks of an executor are clearly and simply explained.
  • Helpful chapters cover every stage of the estate, from organising the funeral to making the final distributions of money and property.
download my instant free copy

FAQs

A Grant of Letters of Administration is a document issued by the Court authorising a person to administer the estate of person who died intestate (without leaving a valid Will). The Grant authorises the person (known as the administrator) to administer the estate by collecting the assets, paying liabilities and distributing the estate in accordance with the laws of intestacy.
The Supreme Court of Western Australia will take 6 – 8 weeks to review your application and issue a Grant.
Any one or more of the adult beneficiaries of the estate (as set out in the Administration Act 1903 (WA)) can apply for a grant of Letters of Administration of an intestate estate. The applicant must seek written consent from any adult beneficiary of the estate. If there is no adult beneficiary who is able to apply, another person may be entitled. Book a consultation for advice about your specific circumstances.
Please bring the documents and information listed on the relevant checklist.
An applicant for a grant of Letters of Administration must provide a statement of the deceased’s assets and liabilities as at the date of their death. The statement must include all real estate in Western Australia and all movable property and debts, whether in Western Australia or elsewhere. Any property the deceased owned as a joint tenant with another person who survived them does not form part of their estate, rather it passes to the surviving joint tenant by survivorship. Download our checklist to help you collate the information you need.
As a general rule, the answer is yes – executors and administrators can charge their reasonable legal costs to the estate. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances, but would generally include the costs of making an application for Probate or Letters of Administration.
Our advertised fees are for straightforward applications. They don’t include the Supreme Court of Western Australia filing fee which is $408. If your application is not straightforward or if you require additional legal advice or assistance we will give you a quote for our services. For full terms see our Product Disclosure Statement.

Why choose Perth Probate Centre?

Clear, compassionate probate support when you need it most.

01.
We simplify the process

Grief is hard enough. We’ll guide you step by step with practical advice and clear communication, so you always know what to expect.  Read what our clients say.

02.
We lighten the load

From paperwork to probate court, we handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters – your family and your wellbeing.

03.
We're trusted experts

With hundreds of estates managed, both big and small, we bring deep experience, legal know-how, and genuine care to every family we support.

We're here to help

Not sure where to begin?

You don’t have to have all the answers – that’s what we’re here for.
Chat with our friendly legal team and we’ll guide you through it.

(08) 9220 4490
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Meet our team

We specialise in probate and estate administration – it’s what we do, and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years. You’re in experienced hands.

Michael Hodgkins
Legal Practitioner Director
Michael is an experienced succession and property lawyer and has served the Western Australian community as a legal practitioner for over 27 years at Curae Law.  Michael has represented clients, both in and out of court, in matters spanning……
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Nigel Siegwart
Legal Practitioner Director
Nigel leads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution team and has experience in a wide variety of litigation matters including deceased estate litigation, family provision claims, contractual and construction disputes, trust and property matters. Nigel has an instinctive ability……
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Lucy Dickens
Legal Practitioner Director
Lucy leads our non-contentious Wills and estates team, delivering clear, compassionate, and practical advice on succession planning and estate administration. Her approach combines legal expertise with a passion for innovation, making complex processes simple and accessible for our clients…….
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Sean McMurdo
Lawyer
Sean is a dedicated lawyer within the wills and probate team, specialising in guiding individuals through the intricacies of legal matters such as wills, powers of attorney, and powers of guardianship. In the realm of estate planning, Sean offers……
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Testimonials

What our clients say

Sophia, thanks for your support yesterday. It was helpful being able to chat in between the business of the day and made the day less stressful. It’s a big relief to have this matter resolved.
Ms M - Deceased Estates Dispute
October 30, 2025
Thank you again for your care and attention. Your professionalism has assisted us both to find our own clarity.
Ms C – Deceased estate dispute
October 21, 2025
Hello Lucy, Thanks so much for all your work on this tricky project … I will recommend your services to family and friends
Perth Probate Centre Client
October 3, 2025
You and your team have been wonderful. Of course I will reflect that in my final review. Your knowledge, ethics, professionalism ,strategies and advice set you at the pinnacle of your profession. I can’t thank you enough.
Perth Probate Centre Client
September 26, 2025
Hello Michael, I just want to thank you for all your help, advice and guidance throughout this whole process. Signing and sending this document is a huge relief.
Perth Probate Centre Client
September 23, 2025
Nigel was nothing short of exceptional in managing my matter. He was professional, skilled, he managed everything in a timely manner he was present and accourate in his searches and advised me well which lead to a successful case. I couldn t thank him enough. I really recommend him!
Federica Franchini
September 21, 2025