Stanmore Probate Lawyers

Are You the Executor of an Estate and Not Sure Where to Begin?

FletchLaw, Stanmore probate lawyers, guides executors through every step of the probate process clearly and efficiently — so your obligations are met, the estate is administered properly, and the people who matter to the person who has passed are properly taken care of.

We're here when you're ready

Call 02 9159 9026

4.9 Are You Facing Any of These Common Probate Concerns?

I've been named as executor — but I have no idea what that actually means or what I'm supposed to do.

Being named as executor is an honour — but it also comes with serious legal obligations that many people feel completely unprepared for, particularly when they are also grieving. We’ll explain your duties clearly, tell you exactly what needs to happen and in what order, and handle the legal process on your behalf from start to finish.

I'm not sure whether the estate needs to go through probate or not.

Not every estate requires a formal grant of probate — it depends on what assets the deceased held, how they were owned, and what institutions are involved. Getting the wrong answer to this question can cause significant delays and unnecessary cost. We’ll assess the estate quickly and tell you exactly what is required.

The deceased didn't leave a will — and the family doesn't know what happens now.

When someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the intestacy provisions of the Succession Act — not according to what the family believes the deceased would have wanted. A suitable person must apply for Letters of Administration before the estate can be dealt with. We’ll guide you through this process clearly and efficiently.

I'm worried about family members disputing the will or how the estate is being handled.

Estate disputes — whether over the validity of a will, the adequacy of provision for a family member, or the conduct of the executor — can be deeply damaging to family relationships and extremely costly if not managed properly. We’ll advise you on how to minimise the risk of disputes and represent you firmly if one arises.

I'm a beneficiary and I'm concerned the executor isn't doing what they should be.

Beneficiaries have legal rights, and executors have legal obligations. If you believe an executor is failing to administer the estate properly — by delaying distribution without reason, failing to account for assets, or acting in their own interests — you have options. We’ll advise you on what those options are and act on your behalf where necessary.

The estate includes property, investments, or overseas assets — and I don't know how to handle them.

Complex estates — those involving real estate, share portfolios, business interests, or assets in other jurisdictions — require careful and experienced management. The legal and tax implications of dealing with each type of asset are different, and getting it wrong can have significant consequences for both the executor and the beneficiaries.

Meet Simon Fletcher

Dealing with a deceased estate is one of the most difficult things a person can be asked to do — made harder by the fact that it usually happens at a time of grief, and involves legal processes most people have never encountered before.

Simon Fletcher and the FletchLaw team have guided Stanmore executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through the probate process for years — handling the legal complexity with care and efficiency so families can focus on what matters most.

Your first conversation with us costs nothing. No obligation, no pressure — just clear, compassionate advice about what needs to happen and how we can help.

Book your free telephone consultation now.

How We Can Help You Through the Probate Process

We'll assess the estate and advise you clearly on whether a grant of probate or letters of administration is required — and what the process involves from start to finish.

We'll prepare and lodge the probate application with the NSW Supreme Court on your behalf — handling all documentation, affidavits, and court requirements accurately and efficiently.

We'll guide you through your obligations as executor — explaining what you are legally required to do, in what order, and what the consequences are of getting it wrong.

We'll assist with locating, identifying, and valuing all assets of the estate — including real property, bank accounts, share portfolios, superannuation, and personal effects.

We'll manage the payment of any outstanding debts, taxes, and liabilities of the estate before distribution — ensuring the estate is properly wound up before beneficiaries receive their share.

We'll handle the transfer of real estate and other assets to beneficiaries — including liaising with the NSW Land Registry, financial institutions, and other relevant parties.

We'll advise on intestate estates — explaining how the Succession Act applies, who is entitled to what, and managing the application for letters of administration.

We'll advise beneficiaries on their rights if they are concerned about the conduct of the executor or the adequacy of their provision under the will.

We'll manage any estate disputes that arise — including family provision claims and challenges to the validity of the will — with the same focus and determination we bring to every matter.

The 3 Step FletchLaw Process

Book Your Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Call us as soon as you need guidance — whether you have just been named as executor, are dealing with an estate without a will, or are a beneficiary with concerns. We'll listen carefully, explain what's involved, and give you a clear picture of the process and what we can do to help.

We Handle the Legal Process While You Focus on Your Family

Once you decide to work with us, we manage every aspect of the probate process on your behalf — from preparing and lodging the application through to collecting assets, paying debts, and preparing for distribution. You'll always know what's happening and what comes next.

The Estate Is Properly Administered and Closed

With probate granted and all obligations met, the estate can be distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the will — or the intestacy rules where there is no will. The process is complete, your obligations as executor are discharged, and the estate is properly and finally settled.

Take the First Step — Book Your Free Consultation Now.

Our free consultations are relaxed, confidential conversations designed to help you understand what’s involved and what we can do for you — at your own pace, with no commitment required. Here’s what you can expect:

A warm, compassionate conversation — We understand that you are likely dealing with this at a difficult time. We’ll listen carefully and explain everything clearly, without rushing you or overwhelming you with legal jargon.
Clarity on whether probate is required — A clear assessment of the estate and honest advice on what legal process is needed before anything can be done with the assets.
An overview of your obligations as executor — A plain English explanation of what you are legally required to do, in what order, and what we can handle on your behalf.
Guidance for beneficiaries — If you are a beneficiary with concerns about how the estate is being handled, we’ll explain your rights and your options clearly and without pressure.
The space to ask anything — Whether it’s about the probate process, the timeline, the costs, disputes, or intestacy, this is your chance to get real answers from an experienced estate lawyer.

Ready to take the first step? Call us today to book your free consultation — we're here to help.

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What to Expect When You Work with FletchLaw

Free initial consultation with no obligation

You can speak with us, understand the process, and decide whether to proceed without spending a penny or committing to anything.

Transparent billing with detailed invoices

Every charge is clearly explained so you always know what you’re paying for and why — no surprises for the estate or the executor.

Over 20 years of experience in wills, estates, and probate

We’ve guided executors and families through estates of every size and complexity — from straightforward grants of probate to contested and complex administrations.

Local Stanmore-based firm who understands the Inner West community

We’re not some big impersonal city firm — we’re your neighbours, and we bring genuine care and local knowledge to every estate matter we handle.

Direct access to your solicitor, not just paralegals or assistants

You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who knows your matter inside and out — not a different face every time you call.

Plain English explanations at every step

No confusing legal jargon — we explain everything clearly so you always understand what’s happening, what’s required, and what comes next.

Compassionate handling of sensitive family situations

We understand that probate matters often arise at times of grief and family tension. We handle every matter with the sensitivity and discretion the situation deserves.

Experience with complex and contested estates

From estates involving multiple properties and overseas assets to family provision claims and executor disputes, we have the experience to handle whatever arises.

Coordinated handling of probate and estate planning matters

If the estate also raises questions about future planning — such as reviewing your own will or powers of attorney — we can handle everything under one roof.

References available from past clients

Hear directly from executors and families who have been through this process with us and were glad to have had the right support behind them.

Serving the Stanmore & Inner West Community

At FletchLaw, we aren’t just legal practitioners — we are part of the local fabric. We believe that providing the best family law support requires a deep understanding of the community our clients call home. From our offices on Parramatta Road in the heart of Stanmore, we provide accessible, compassionate, and expert legal counsel to local families.

Other FletchLaw Services in Stanmore

Ready to Take the First Step?

Book your free, no-obligation consultation today and get the clear, compassionate guidance you need to administer the estate properly — and honour the wishes of the person who has passed.