What does estate administration involve?

Estate administration is everything that happens after someone dies: collecting the assets, paying the debts and any tax, keeping accounts and distributing what is left to the beneficiaries.

Can I administer the estate myself?

Yes. Nothing requires an executor or administrator to use a lawyer and a straightforward estate can be handled without one. It is worth getting advice where the estate holds land, a business or a self managed super fund, where there is no Will or where anyone has raised a complaint. Our guide to whether you need a probate lawyer sets out when it is worth it.

When is it safe to distribute the estate?

Not until the debts and any tax have been paid. The usual advice is then to wait six months from the grant in case any family provision claim is brought. We recommend you obtain a written consent or release from everyone who could make a claim on the estate before distributing.

Do I have to advertise for creditors?

No, it is optional. An executor who advertises and then distributes is not personally liable to a creditor whose claim they had no notice of, so it buys protection rather than discharging a duty. It gives no protection against a family provision claim. Our guide to how executors protect themselves from claims explains what it does and does not cover.

Can an executor be paid for their work?

Yes, where the Will authorises it, where the beneficiaries agree or where the Court allows it. The Trustees Act 1962 (WA) lets the Court allow a commission that is just and reasonable, capped at five per cent of the gross value of the trust property. Five per cent is a ceiling on what the Court can allow rather than an entitlement. Our guide to what an executor is entitled to explains how commission is claimed.

Is the executor personally liable for the debts?

No. The debts are paid out of the estate and taking on the role does not make an executor liable for what the deceased owed. However an executor can become personally liable by distributing the estate before the debts are paid.

Can I recoup my legal costs from the estate?

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.

Deceased Estate Administration | Perth Probate Centre

Overwhelmed by estate admin? We’re here to share the load.

Even after you’ve received a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, there’s still a long to-do list ahead — from collecting assets and paying debts, to distributing what’s left and managing all the little details in between.

If it feels overwhelming, that’s normal. This isn’t something most people do often.

At Perth Probate Centre, we’re here to support you through it all. You can hand over the estate administration entirely or just reach out when you need advice on specific parts of the process.

Whether you’re dealing with:

We’ll make it easier, clearer and far less stressful.

our services

Work with Perth's leading deceased estate lawyers

We’ll guide you through every step, help you understand your legal obligations, and take the pressure off during a difficult time.

Property transfers

From $995

If it’s just the real estate conveyancing you need help with, we offer:

Survivorship applications
Transmission applications
Transfers to beneficiaries
Real estate settlements

Find out more

Advertising for creditors
Notifying the Australian Taxation Office and liaising with the estate's tax agent to complete individual and estate tax returns as necessary
Closing estate bank accounts
Completing a transmission application
Redeeming aged care accommodation bond
Claiming superannuation death benefits
Paying the estate’s liabilities
Verifying the identity of the beneficiaries
Arranging interim and final distributions

Estate administration consultation

$440

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.

Meet with us for tailored advice and guidance.

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