An executor is the person responsible for administering an estate as wished by the person who passed away, through their will and the Succession Act 1981.

After you find and read the will, your duties as an executor may include:

• getting probate from the Supreme Court of Queensland, if required
• finding and notifying beneficiaries—people named in the will who receive something from the estate
• checking and protecting assets
• confirming insurance of assets
• collecting valuables and income
• determining debts and liabilities
• preparing tax returns and getting income tax clearances
• transferring or sales of assets
• preparing financial statements
• distributing the estate.

Probate and deceased estates

Probate is the Supreme Court of Queensland’s official recognition of a will as legally valid.

A grant of probate is a Supreme Court document that recognises someone’s authority to deal with the estate of a person who has passed away.  Probate is often needed before the executor of a deceased estate can take control of the estate’s assets (administer the estate).

Applying for probate

The process for getting a grant to administer an estate can be complicated. If you wish, you can engage a solicitor or the Public Trustee to apply for you.

Public Trustee: https://www.pt.qld.gov.au  Ph: 1300 360 044

https://manage-affairs-after-death.services.qld.gov.au