Private client | 19 June 2026
Understanding Probate and Estate Administration
An introductory guide to the legal authority, information, and practical steps commonly involved in administering an estate.
Estate administration is the process of identifying, preserving, and distributing a deceased person's assets and addressing relevant liabilities. The route depends on the circumstances, the documents left by the deceased, the nature and location of assets, and applicable law.
A personal representative may need formal authority before dealing with certain property or accounts. Early work commonly includes locating testamentary documents, identifying beneficiaries and assets, considering liabilities, and obtaining appropriate valuations.
Timelines vary. Disputes, incomplete records, tax questions, foreign assets, or uncertainty about beneficiaries can add complexity. Families and representatives should seek advice tailored to the estate before taking steps that may create personal responsibility.