Answer a few questions about the estate and see whether you'll likely need a grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, the key deadlines, and a realistic timeline — then get a fixed-fee quote from an ORLA estates lawyer.
A grant confirms the executor's authority to deal with the estate.
Send yourself this summary and an ORLA estates lawyer will confirm what's needed and quote a fixed fee to obtain the grant and administer the estate — no obligation.
General guidance only, based on your answers — not legal advice, and every estate is different. Whether a grant is required, which grant applies, and the exact steps depend on the assets, the institutions involved and the will. In Victoria you must publish an online notice of intention to apply and wait at least 15 days before filing, and an eligible person generally has 6 months from the grant to make a family-provision claim. An ORLA estates lawyer confirms everything before you proceed.
Not always. Assets held jointly usually pass to the survivor automatically, and small holdings may be released by a bank without a grant. But if the estate includes real estate solely in the deceased's name, or larger sole-name accounts or shares, a grant is almost always required.
If there's a valid will, the executor applies for a Grant of Probate. If there's no will (or no willing executor), a next of kin applies for Letters of Administration. Both give authority to collect assets, pay debts and distribute the estate.
Typically around 4–8 weeks from advertising to the grant issuing (longer if the Registrar requisitions further information), then commonly 6–12 months to fully administer and distribute the estate.
An eligible person (such as a spouse, child or dependant) can apply to the court for a share, or a larger share, of the estate — generally within 6 months of the grant. Executors usually wait out this period before final distribution. We advise executors on managing this risk.
Get clear advice and a next step — take the free claim check, book online, or call us 24/7.
Leave your name and number — we call you straight back, usually within 2 minutes (8am–8pm), to understand your situation and book you in with the right lawyer. No cost, no obligation. Outside those hours we'll text you and call first thing.
We meet clients online right across Victoria — or in person at Suite 3, 911 High Street, Reservoir VIC 3073.
Get directions →☎ 0485 016 752ORLA Legal works hand-in-glove with our sister services, so your loan, your conveyancing and your property search are coordinated by one team — all the way to settlement.