Wills and Estates - General Resources

  • Supreme Court of Victoria – Probate Office

    The Supreme Court of Victoria’s Probate Office manages applications for probate and letters of administration. Executors and administrators can access information on applying for probate, dealing with deceased estates, and managing contested wills.

  • State Trustees Victoria

    State Trustees provides services for will preparation, estate administration, and acting as executor or administrator for deceased estates. They offer professional guidance to individuals needing help with complex estates or trustee responsibilities.

  • Victoria Legal Aid – Wills and Estates

    Victoria Legal Aid offers free information about preparing wills, understanding powers of attorney, and managing deceased estates. While they don’t typically assist with contested estates, they provide referrals to relevant legal services.

  • Seniors Rights Victoria

    Seniors Rights Victoria provides advice and assistance on wills, powers of attorney, and elder abuse prevention. They help older Victorians ensure their wishes are honored while safeguarding their legal and financial interests.

  • Public Trustee and Guardian (State Trustees)

    For individuals without family or trusted executors, the Public Trustee can act as executor or administrator of an estate. Services include will preparation, estate management, and trust administration, ensuring estates are distributed according to the deceased’s wishes.

  • The Law Institute of Victoria – Find a Wills & Estates Lawyer

    The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) offers a "Find a Lawyer" service to connect individuals with accredited specialists in wills, estates, and succession planning. This resource is ideal for those needing assistance with will drafting, estate disputes, or administration.

  • Better Health Channel – Wills and Powers of Attorney

    The Better Health Channel provides easy-to-understand information about wills, enduring powers of attorney, and advanced care directives. It is a useful starting point for individuals planning their estate or appointing decision-makers.

  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Deceased Estates

    The ATO offers guidance on managing the tax affairs of a deceased estate, including filing final tax returns, paying outstanding taxes, and dealing with capital gains tax on inherited assets. This resource helps executors fulfill their tax obligations.

  • MyGov – Managing Deceased Estates

    MyGov provides a centralized portal for accessing government services related to deceased estates. Executors can manage tax records, superannuation, Centrelink payments, and Medicare matters on behalf of the deceased.

  • National Advance Care Planning Australia

    This national resource provides information on preparing advance care directives, appointing medical decision-makers, and ensuring end-of-life wishes are respected. It complements wills and estates planning by addressing future healthcare preferences.

  • Department of Justice and Community Safety – Powers of Attorney

    The Department of Justice provides information on creating and registering powers of attorney, including enduring and medical decision-making documents. This is essential for ensuring trusted individuals can manage affairs if one loses capacity.

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria – Funerals and Estates

    Consumer Affairs Victoria provides practical guidance on planning funerals, understanding executor duties, and resolving disputes over wills and estates. It also offers information on protecting beneficiaries’ rights.

  • Australian Guardianship and Administration Council (AGAC)

    AGAC provides national resources on guardianship, administration, and decision-making arrangements. This is particularly relevant for individuals planning wills or powers of attorney for vulnerable or incapacitated family members.

  • Court Network – Probate and Estates Support

    Court Network volunteers provide emotional support and practical guidance for individuals navigating probate and estate disputes in the Supreme Court of Victoria. They ensure individuals understand court processes and feel supported throughout proceedings.

  • Justice Connect – Wills and Estates Legal Support

    Justice Connect assists vulnerable individuals with will preparation, contested estates, and navigating probate issues. Their pro bono services focus on those facing financial hardship or requiring advocacy during estate matters.

  • Dying to Talk – Palliative Care Australia

    This resource helps individuals and families initiate conversations about end-of-life wishes, estate planning, and legacy preparation. It provides tools, guides, and checklists for discussing wills, advance care planning, and funeral arrangements.

  • Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA)

    The AFDA offers guidance on funeral planning and pre-paid funeral arrangements, which often complement wills and estate planning. They provide practical resources to ensure funeral wishes are documented and carried out.

  • Enduring Guardianship Victoria – Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)

    The OPA assists individuals in appointing enduring guardians to make personal and lifestyle decisions if they lose capacity. They provide detailed guides on enduring guardianship, advance care directives, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

  • Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA)

    The FPA offers guidance on estate planning from a financial perspective, including managing inheritances, reducing tax liabilities, and ensuring wealth is transferred according to one’s wishes. They also connect individuals with qualified financial planners.

  • Superannuation Death Benefit Information – Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)

    APRA provides guidance on superannuation death benefits, which are often a significant part of estate planning. Individuals can learn how to nominate beneficiaries and ensure superannuation funds are distributed appropriately.

  • National Seniors Australia – Wills and Estate Planning

    National Seniors Australia offers information tailored for older Australians on will preparation, estate management, and ensuring financial security for their families. They also address common issues like blended family estates and beneficiary disputes.

  • Deceased Estates and Unclaimed Money – State Revenue Office Victoria

    The State Revenue Office Victoria provides information on unclaimed estates and how beneficiaries can recover funds. Executors and next of kin can learn how to search for unclaimed money and submit claims on behalf of estates.

  • Carers Victoria – Planning for Future Care

    Carers Victoria supports individuals caring for loved ones by offering resources on wills, estate planning, and powers of attorney. They assist carers in planning for their family member’s ongoing care and securing financial arrangements.

  • ATO – Capital Gains Tax and Deceased Estates

    The Australian Taxation Office provides in-depth resources on how capital gains tax (CGT) applies to inherited assets, including property and shares. This resource is essential for executors managing estate taxation obligations.

More resources coming soon.