Our Processes

Below are some tools to help you understand our processes

1 Helpful steps

Helpful Steps	Description
Immediate Steps	Immediate steps after death Notify family, friends and care services Seek help and assistance
Executor & Funeral Planning	Determine executor or administrator Organise transport of body Organise the funeral
Important Documentation	Apply for death certificate Request allowances and govt support Source other relevant documents Prepare documents and certified copies Notify government, companies and organisations
Beneficiaries and Estate Value	Determine the beneficiaries Pay bills, mortgages and other debts Prepare and assets and liabilities inventory Clear the home Value the home and arrange for rent or sale Value cars and arrange for sale Deal with banks and finances Review business dealings and shares
Other tasks	Check and redirect post Cancel contracts, subs etc Close social media and other accounts
Super and Insurance	Claim super death benefit Claim insurance and other benefits
Grant of Probate	Finalise assets and liabilities inventory Apply for grant of probate or letters of admin Request tax advice for effective distribution Open testamentary trust account Prepare estate and request transfer of assets Pay disbursements and executor services Prepare and lodge tax returns
Finalise and distribute estate	Inform beneficiaries of estate value Finalise and distribute deceased estate

2 Estate Planning Basics

Intestate

When you pass away without a Will, state law determines who receives your assets

Will

A legal document that states who you want to receive your assets when you pass away

Trust

Trusts including superannuation are generally excluded from your estate

Power of Attorney

Gives another person the authority to handle your financial affairs during your incapacity

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Give another person the authority to make medical decisions for you during your incapacity

Excluded Assets

Superannuation * Joint ownership of property real and personal Trust Asset where you may be the beneficiary * unless specified in a binding nomination or by the trustee to be subject to the estate

Probate

The process by which the court determines the validity of your will

Estate Tax Returns

This applies in some instances

Letters of Administration

Applies in all cases of intestacy

Below are some tools to help you understand our processes

Helpful steps

Estate Planning Basics

Flowchart of deceased estates