Estate Administration & Litigation
Allow the professional and knowledgeable staff at V.A.J. Byrne & Co. Lawyers to guide you through the extremely emotional and difficult time of losing a loved one.
We can assist Executors in understanding their obligations and assist in progressing the administration of the Estate in the most cost effective manner.
The process of what to do following the loss of a loved one can be an overwhelming time. There is so much pressure from external factors like the loss of an income, bills piling up and not knowing what to do next. The team at V.A.J. Byrne and & Co. Lawyers can take you through the process and assist you with as much or as little involvement as you require.
The assets and liabilities left behind by a loved one when they pass away is known as their “Estate”. In majority of cases, the deceased will leave the instructions for their wishes of the estate in a Will. The administration of a deceased estate in Queensland is governed primarily by the Succession Act 1981.
There are two types of personal representatives who are responsible for an estate, being executors and administrators. In the event where the deceased left a valid will, an executor named in the Will, will assume the responsibility. In the event where the deceased died intestate (without a valid will), a spouse, child, relative or friend will nominate themselves to administer the estate. Both the executor and administrator carry out similar roles, however, the executor proceeds according to the will left by the deceased. The administrator must follow the laws of succession to finalise the estate.
Assets that form part of an estate can include bank accounts, Real Property, Shares and other investments including artwork. Assets such as joint bank accounts, superannuation and life insurance do not form part of an estate.
Liabilities that were incurred by the deceased prior to their death are only required to be paid by the estate. If an estate is found to be insolvent, the executor or administrator is not responsible to cover these debts.
The process required for estates varies depending on things such as the estate value and types of assets held. Contact our office to arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements.
Services our firm offer:
- Estate administration and management
- Probate Applications
- Letters of Administration
- Litigation over the validity of Wills or interpretation of particular provisions in a Will
- Claims for further provision under the Succession Act
- Any other Will or Estate dispute
Gladstone & Bundaberg Offices:
☏ (07) 4972 1144
🖳 office@byrnelawyers.com.au
🖂 PO Box 273 Gladstone QLD 4680
Gladstone Street Address:
148 Auckland Street
Gladstone QLD 4680
Hours of Business:
8:30am to 5:00pm
Monday to Friday
(except Public Holidays and Christmas Closure)
Bundaberg Street Address:
Suite 2, 36 Barolin Street
Bundaberg QLD 4670
Gladstone & Bundaberg Offices:
☏ (07) 4972 1144
⌨ office@byrnelawyers.com.au
✉ PO Box 273 Gladstone QLD 4680
Hours of Business:
8:30am to 5:00pm
Monday to Friday
(except Public Holidays and Christmas Closure)
Gladstone Street Address:
148 Auckland Street
Gladstone QLD 4680
Bundaberg Street Address:
Suite 2, 36 Barolin Street
Bundaberg QLD 4670