Service
Estate Administration
Administering a deceased estate is a significant responsibility. Andrew O'Bryan provides practical, compassionate support to executors — guiding you through every step of the process.
About Estate Administration
Being named as an executor in someone's Will is an honour — but it also carries real legal responsibilities. Executors are personally liable for the proper administration of the estate, and mistakes can result in personal liability. Andrew O'Bryan's estate administration service ensures you meet your obligations correctly and efficiently.
Estate administration involves far more than simply distributing assets. It includes identifying and valuing all estate property, dealing with financial institutions, managing debts and liabilities, handling tax matters, resolving any disputes between beneficiaries, and ultimately preparing final accounts and distributing the estate.
Whether the estate is straightforward or complex — involving multiple properties, business interests, interstate or overseas assets, or family members who don't agree — Andrew provides the guidance and expertise to get the job done.
What's Involved
Andrew O'Bryan supports executors through every obligation — from obtaining probate to making the final distribution to beneficiaries.
- Advising executors on their duties and obligations
- Applying for and obtaining probate
- Identifying, securing and valuing estate assets
- Notifying financial institutions and government bodies
- Paying estate debts and liabilities
- Managing estate tax obligations (income tax, capital gains)
- Resolving disputes between beneficiaries
- Preparing estate accounts
- Final distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries
- Complex estates: business interests, international assets, superannuation
The Estate Administration Process
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Appointment & Assessment
We review the Will, identify your duties as executor, and map out the full scope of the estate.
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Asset Gathering
We notify all relevant institutions, secure and value estate assets, and deal with outstanding liabilities.
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Administration
Estate accounts are prepared, tax obligations are met, and any beneficiary disputes are addressed.
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Distribution
Final distributions are made to beneficiaries, with estate accounts signed off and your duties as executor fulfilled.
Estate Administration — Common Questions
As an executor, your duties include: obtaining probate (if required), identifying and collecting all estate assets, notifying relevant institutions and government bodies, paying all debts and liabilities of the estate, managing the estate's tax obligations, resolving any disputes, preparing estate accounts, and distributing the residual estate to beneficiaries. You owe duties to both the deceased and the beneficiaries.
Yes. Executors can be personally liable if they distribute the estate incorrectly, fail to identify creditors or debts, make mistakes in tax matters, or act in breach of their duties. This is why having specialist legal advice is important, particularly for complex estates.
Beneficiary disputes are not uncommon. Andrew O'Bryan can advise you on your obligations, help mediate disputes, and represent you if a beneficiary makes a formal challenge.
Straightforward estates can be fully administered in 6–12 months. Complex estates — involving real property, business interests, family disputes, or contested matters — can take 2–3 years or more. The probate process itself takes 4–12 weeks after filing.
In Victoria, an executor may be entitled to commission for their work in administering the estate, provided this is allowed by the Will or approved by the Supreme Court. Andrew can advise you on this.
Related Services
Get Expert Support With Estate Administration. Call Andrew Today.
Speak directly with Andrew O'Bryan about your responsibilities as executor.