Obtaining a “Letter of Probate” in Australia

Letter of Probate

Have you been asked by a bank, share registry, your conveyancer, or another organisation to get a "Letter of Probate"?
This is a common thing to hear from such organisations when trying to deal with the asset holders of a loved-one.

A Letter of Probate is a term that is thrown around to refer to a "Grant" that can be issued by a Supreme Court in Australia, to allow the family to deal with the asset holders of the deceased. Although the term "Letter" sounds like it's a basic letter that a solicitor can write up, it's actually a more complicated legal process to obtain such a document.

“Letter of Probate”... clearing things up

A Letter of Probate is a bit of a misnomer, and usually intends to refer to two related things:

1. If a Will has been left behind, then the person who is named as Executor in the will can apply for Probate of the will
2. If no Will has been left behind, then a close family member can apply for Letters of Administration of the Estate.

Such a Letter of Probate (i.e. Probate or Letters of Administration) is issued by the Supreme Courts of the various states and territories. We can obtain a Letter of Probate at the major Australian Supreme Courts: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT.

So, that's it, if you require assistance with either of these types of applications, feel free to click the links above and read more. The application will be state-based, so wherever the assets have been left behind is where the application can be made.

If you are still unsure or, feel free to get in touch to discuss your matter, or you can enquire with us to obtain a fixed-fee quote to obtain a Letter of Probate.