Expertise

Deceased Estate Probate

DECEASED ESTATE LAWYERS IN KIAMA

deceased estate probate specialists

Estate Planning Specialists

We make deceased estate probate clear from the start. With extensive experience, our team offers practical legal advice to protect you and your family’s future.

comprehensive range of services

Comprehensive Services

Whether you need assistance managing probate and deceased estates, preparing a Will, or disputing a Will, the team at Kells is here to help.

readily accessible

Conveniently Located

With an office in Kiama, we are well-placed to support individuals and families across New South Wales with their estate planning needs.

Personalised Legal Solutions

No two situations are alike. We take the time to understand your priorities and develop strategies that reflect your wishes, safeguard your future, and protect what matters most.

Here to Help

The loss of a loved one often comes with complex estate responsibilities. At Kells, we support families by guiding them through probate with clarity and care. Our Kiama deceased estate probate lawyers take on the legal and administrative tasks promptly and the right way, helping to fulfil final wishes while easing the strain on those left behind.

Wills, Estate Planning & Trusts

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Estate Planning Lawyers in Kiama Help?

The role of an executor is central to carrying out a loved one’s final wishes.



It extends well beyond distributing assets, involving legal obligations, the payment of debts, and resolving any issues that may arise along the way. Executors may also need to manage disputes or respond to claims against the estate, all while acting with care and accuracy.


At Kells, our Kiama estate planning lawyers provide step-by-step guidance through every stage of estate administration. We can assist with:


  • Liaising with asset holders such as banks, credit unions and superannuation funds
  • Preparing the forms necessary to apply for a grant of probate with the NSW Supreme Court
  • Defending the estate against any family provision claims
  • Assisting with the sale of assets such as shares and real estate
  • Liaising with financial advisors to address taxation or stamp duty issues
  • Attending to the distribution of the estate.


We recognise that losing someone close brings both emotional and practical challenges. What sets our Kiama team apart is our combination of local knowledge and decades of estate law experience. We manage the process with precision and efficiency, while also offering the personal support you need during a difficult time. This way, you can focus on your family, knowing your loved one’s affairs are being handled properly.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an executor?

    An executor is the person named in a Will to manage the administration of a deceased estate. If no Will exists, or the named executor cannot act, the Court may appoint an administrator to take on the role. Executors and administrators are responsible for paying debts, managing financial matters, and distributing assets under the Will or according to the law.


    It is a position of trust. Being named as an executor shows the confidence the Will-maker had in your judgment and reliability. While it carries important legal duties, it is also a way of honouring your connection with the person who has passed.

  • What factors influence the need for a grant of probate or letters of administration?

    The need for probate or letters of administration usually depends on the nature and value of the assets in the estate. Property, significant bank balances, and certain investments often require formal authority from the Court before they can be transferred or sold.

  • What is a probate?

    Probate is an order issued by the Supreme Court confirming that a Will is valid and giving the executor legal authority to act. With a grant of probate, the executor can access bank accounts, sell property, pay outstanding debts, and distribute assets as set out in the Will.


    This process provides legal certainty and protection, enabling the executor to carry out their responsibilities with confidence.

  • What is a grant of Letters of Administration?

    Letters of Administration are issued by the Court when someone passes away without a valid Will, or when the named executor cannot act. The person appointed in this role is called the administrator.


    This legal authority allows the administrator to collect and distribute assets, settle debts, and manage the estate according to intestacy laws or Court directions. It ensures the estate is managed properly and in line with the law.

  • What if the deceased person has no Will?

    When no Will exists, the estate is distributed under intestacy rules. These laws set out a strict order of priority, usually starting with the spouse or de facto partner, followed by children, then other relatives such as parents or siblings.


    While the process aims to be fair, it may not reflect the personal wishes of the deceased, which highlights the importance of having a valid Will in place.

  • How long do Wills take to process?

    Most estates are finalised within 12 months of death. This period covers applying for probate or administration, gathering and managing assets, paying liabilities, and distributing the balance to beneficiaries.


    However, some estates may take longer. Factors that can extend the timeframe include:


    • Assets held in the estate
    • Whether the property is to be transferred or sold
    • Whether the Will is contested
    • Locating beneficiaries
    • Whether any life interests (such as rights of residence) have been granted
    • Whether any trusts are to be established.

Get Trusted Estate Planning Advice in Kiama

If you’re dealing with a deceased estate or probate matter, our Kiama estate planning lawyers are here to help. Contact Kells today for legal advice you can actually rely on.

Wills, Estate Planning & Trusts

Area of Expertise