Deceased Estate Lawyer Melbourne

Losing someone you love is hard enough without having to work through probate forms, asset transfers, and the legal mess that follows. At Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers, we help families across Melbourne and the City of Casey manage deceased estates with clarity, care, and straightforward advice. Our Principal Solicitor, Patricia Sheedy (Trish), brings a wealth of experience, guiding executors and beneficiaries through some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

Whether the estate is small or involves complex property, business, or family circumstances, you will work with an expert lawyer and experienced deceased estate administration team in Melbourne who takes the time to understand your situation before guiding you on the process.

Deceased Estate Services We Provide Across Melbourne

Administering an estate involves complex legal documents and legal obligations., The steps you need to take depend on the size of the estate, whether there is a valid Will, and the f assets involved. We handle the full process, so you don't have to piece it together alone and leave yourself at risk of liability.

Probate and Letters of Administration

When someone passes away, the executor (or next of kin if there's no Will) usually needs authority from the Supreme Court of Victoria before they can manage assets. Our team prepares and lodges:

  • Applications for Grant of Probate where a valid Will exists.

  • Applications for Letters of Administration where no Will exists.

  • Applications by personal representatives and surviving proprietors. 

Estate Administration and Asset Transfers

Once the Court issues a grant, the work of actually administering the estate begins. We help executors call in assets, settle debts, transfer property, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries in line with the Will or the rules of intestacy. Our services include:

  • Transfer of real estate in Victoria.

  • Transfer of shares, bank accounts, and superannuation proceeds.

  • Liaising with banks, share registries, and government agencies.

  • Identifying and paying creditors;

  • Preparing final statements of estate distribution.

Will Disputes and Contested Estates

Family dynamics can complicate even the most carefully drafted Will. If you are an executor defending an estate or a family member who believes the Will hasn't properly provided for you, we can advise on your position and next steps under Victorian law.

Related Estate Planning Work

Many clients come to us after a loved one has passed away and serves as a reminder to get their own affairs in order at the same time. We also assist with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Medical Treatment Decision Makers, and broader estate planning, so your family isn't left guessing later on.

Why Choose Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers as Your Melbourne Deceased Estate Lawyer

We are a small Melbourne firm, and that's by design. When you're dealing with a deceased estate, the last thing you need is to be passed between strangers or kept out of the loop. Here is what sets us apart:

  • Specialist-led knowledge: Trish is one of a small number of Accredited Property Law Specialists in Victoria, which matters when estates include real estate, subdivisions, or commercial holdings We have an experienced deceased team who know the ins and outs of estate administration so we can provide efficient and clear administration advice and guidance.

  • Fixed-fee transparency: We quote upfront so you know what things cost from day one, with no surprise bills during an already difficult time.

  • Honest advice: We tell you how it is, not what you want to hear. If a claim won't succeed or a step isn't worth the cost, we'll say so.

  • Real person service: Our values of equality, respect, and integrity guide every conversation, every email, and every appointment.

With professional indemnity cover of $2.5 million, public liability of $20 million, and 85% of our new business coming from referrals, you can trust that your family's matter is in capable, knowledgeable hands.

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Common Questions About Deceased Estates in Melbourne

  • A straightforward estate in Victoria usually takes between six and twelve months. Timing depends on how quickly we can value assets, executor co-operation, whether probate or letters of administration are required, and whether any disputes arise. We keep you informed at each stage so you know exactly where things are at.

  • Not always. If the estate is modest, or parties jointly held the assets, probate may not be required. We review the assets, liabilities, and ownership structure at your first appointment and tell you honestly whether you need a grant or not. We can then assist with transferring any joint assets to your sole name if Probate is not required.

  • When someone dies without a Will (intestate), Victorian legislation sets out who inherits and in what order. A next of kin typically needs to apply for Letters of Administration before anyone can transfer anything. We guide you through the application process and the distribution rules.

  • Yes. This is where our firm is particularly well-placed. With Trish's accreditation in property law, we handle the property side of estates efficiently along with all other steps in the process, including transfers to beneficiaries, sales, and any title issues.

  • As executor, you're responsible for locating the Will, identifying all assets and liabilities, applying for probate where required, paying the deceased's debts and final tax obligations, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. You can be held personally liable for mismanagement or errors. Having a deceased estate lawyer guide you through each step protects both you and the beneficiaries.

  • Will disputes are more common than most families expect. In Victoria, grounds include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or inadequate provision under Part IV of the Administration and Probate Act 1958. Time limits apply, so acting promptly matters. We can assess the strength of a claim, advise on realistic outcomes, and work toward resolution without unnecessary court proceedings where possible.

  • Estates that include property in more than one Australian state require separate probate applications in each relevant jurisdiction. The process and costs vary by state. We handle the Victorian application and can coordinate with solicitors in other states to avoid duplication and keep the estate moving.

  • A Transmission Application is the legal process used to transfer real property from a deceased person's name to an executor/s. It is handled through Land Use Victoria and can only be undertaken after Probate or Letters of Administration have been obtained. If the estate includes real property in Victoria, this is one of the steps we manage as part of the administration process.

Speak With a Melbourne Deceased Estate Lawyer Today

If the family has named you as an executor, you've lost a loved one without a Will, or you simply don't know where to start, we're here to help. We'll sit down with you, explain your obligations in plain language, and give you a clear fixed-fee quote before any work begins.

Get in touch with Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers to book an appointment with the team:

  1. Call us on (03) 9707 1155 between 9:00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

  2. Email admin@wslegal.com.au with a brief outline of your matter.

  3. Visit us at Unit 2/43 Rainier Crescent, Clyde North VIC 3978.

Our office offers on-site parking and wheelchair accessible access, and we aim to respond to every enquiry within one business day. When you're ready to talk, we're ready to listen.