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 and probate matters with clarity, care, and straightforward advice. We serve communities including Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren and across the south-east Melbourne corridor.

Whether you are an executor named in a Will or a family member needing to apply for letters of administration, our team will guide you through every step.

Principal Solicitor Patricia Sheedy (Trish) leads our firm and is an Accredited Property Law Specialist in Victoria, bringing a wealth of experience guiding executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through some of the most stressful moments of their lives. We believe in real, down-to-earth service. No jargon, no "take a number" attitude — just genuine legal support from a probate and deceased estate lawyer in Melbourne who treats you like a person, not a file number.

Probate and Estate Administration Services We Provide

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

• Applications for a Grant of Probate

• Letters of Administration where there is no valid Will

• Applications by personal representatives and surviving proprietors

• Deceased estate administration and distribution

• Transfer of real estate, shares, bank accounts, and superannuation proceeds

• Will disputes and contested estate matters

• Advice and representation for executors and beneficiaries

• Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Medical Treatment Decision Makers

Applying for a Grant of Probate

If someone has named you as executor in a Will, you will generally need to apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a Grant of Probate before you can deal with the deceased's assets. Our probate lawyers prepare and lodge the application on your behalf, liaise with banks and financial institutions, and help you meet your legal responsibilities as executor throughout the administration process. Our efficiency and understanding of the Supreme Court requirements and processes sets us apart from other firms.

Letters of Administration When There Is No Will

When someone passes away without a valid Will — known as dying intestate — Victorian intestacy laws decide how the estate is distributed. An eligible family member can apply for Letters of Administration, which gives them the legal authority to manage and distribute the estate. We help you work out who has priority to apply, prepare the supporting affidavits, and manage the Supreme Court application from start to finish.

Deceased 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, including Transmission Applications through Land Use 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

Supporting Executors and Beneficiaries

Acting as an executor carries large legal responsibility. From identifying assets and paying debts to distributing the estate to beneficiaries, the role can be demanding and emotionally stressful. We are here to take the pressure off, explaining your duties, drafting correspondence, and managing the legal process so you can focus on what matters most whilst knowing you are protected from any risk of personal liability.

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 has not properly provided for you, we can advise on your position and next steps under Victorian law.

There are steps interested parties can take  to prevent a grant being made or an estate being distributed, for example, if they dispute the validity of the Will or the executor's authority. Time limits apply, so acting promptly and obtaining legal advice on your position first is crucial. . We can assess the strength of a claim, advise on realistic outcomes, and work toward resolution without unnecessary court proceedings where possible.

Related Estate Planning Work

Many clients come to us after a loved one has passed away and it 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 is not left guessing later on.

Why Choose Wollerman Shacklock as Your Probate Lawyer Melbourne

We are a small Melbourne firm, and that is by design. When you are 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:

1. Accredited specialist knowledge: Trish is one of roughly 75 Accredited Property Law Specialists in Victoria, which matters when estates include real estate, subdivisions, or commercial holdings. Our experienced estate administration team knows the ins and outs of estate administration so we can provide efficient and clear administration advice and guidance.

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

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

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

5. Local knowledge: Based in the heart of the City of Casey, we understand the Melbourne community we serve and have supported families here for years.

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.