Estate Administration · Queensland
Estate Administration Lawyers
Navigate probate, asset distribution and executor duties with confidence — we handle the legal side while you focus on what matters most.
- Free initial consultation with a lawyer
- You speak with the Principal, not a junior
- Compassionate, plain-English guidance
Book a free initial consultation
No obligation. Book a free consultation with our team to explore your legal options — we’ll get back to you promptly.
How we help
Estate administration services
Dealing with a loved one’s estate isn’t something you do every day — we guide you through every step.
Probate & Letters of Administration
Applying to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate — or letters of administration where there’s no will or no executor able to act.
Intestacy Matters
When someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed under the Succession Act’s strict order of priority. We identify the rightful beneficiaries.
Resealing Foreign Grants
Giving legal effect in Queensland to probate or administration granted interstate or overseas — essential for multi-jurisdictional estates.
Asset Collection & Distribution
Gathering the estate’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to beneficiaries with clear records at every step.
Why ROC Legal
Experience. Approachable. Dedicated.
Founded in 2017 by Principal Lawyer Robert O’Neil, ROC Legal pairs serious legal expertise with a genuinely human approach — you deal with the principal, not a junior.
You speak with the Principal
Direct access to a senior lawyer on every matter — not a rotating junior associate.
Mediation first, court-ready
We resolve most estate disputes through negotiation and mediation — and litigate firmly when it’s needed.
Clear, plain-English advice
We explain complex legal concepts in plain language and keep you informed at every step.
Probate and estate administration in Queensland
When a person passes away, their estate often needs to go through a legal process called probate before assets can be distributed. If there’s a valid will, the executor named in it can apply to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate, which officially recognises their authority to administer the estate. Where there’s no will — or the will lacks a valid executor appointment — an eligible person can apply for letters of administration instead.
Our probate lawyers assist with every step:
- Determining whether a grant is actually necessary for your situation
- Preparing and filing the application, supporting affidavits and notices
- Navigating complex scenarios — multiple executors, intestate estates
- Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and court rules
- Addressing any challenges or disputes that arise
Intestacy — when there’s no will
When a person dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy under the Succession Act 1981 (Qld). Distribution follows a strict order of priority — starting with the deceased’s spouse and children, then parents, siblings, grandparents and other relatives.
The definition of “spouse” includes married partners and de facto partners of two years or more, including same-sex relationships — and the rules can recognise multiple spouses sharing in the estate. Where there are no eligible relatives at all, the estate passes to the Crown.
We help determine the rightful beneficiaries and their entitlements, assist with letters of administration, and navigate the harder scenarios — partial intestacy, multiple spouses, and claims from family members who feel unfairly excluded under the intestacy rules.
Collecting and distributing the estate
Once a grant is obtained, we help you gather the deceased’s assets — contacting financial institutions, government agencies and other parties — and make sure all debts, taxes and expenses are properly paid before distribution. We prepare the legal documents for asset transfers, obtain releases from beneficiaries, and keep meticulous records throughout to minimise conflict.
For estates with assets in multiple jurisdictions, we handle resealing of foreign grants under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules — so a grant issued elsewhere can be used to deal with Queensland assets.
And if a dispute arises — a challenge to the will’s validity, a family provision claim, or a conflict between executors and beneficiaries — our estate litigation team can step in.
Executors: know your obligations
Executors carry real legal duties — and potential personal liability. Getting advice early keeps the administration compliant, protects you, and keeps beneficiaries informed and onside.
Why families choose ROC Legal
- Expertise — deep knowledge of Queensland’s succession laws, kept current
- Efficiency — we streamline the administration process to save you time and stress
- Personalised service — tailored to your circumstances and family dynamics
- Clear communication — complex concepts in plain language, and you’re kept informed throughout
A simple process
Three steps to peace of mind
Tell us your story
Book a free, no-obligation chat. We listen first and understand your situation.
We assess & advise
Clear, honest advice on your options, your prospects and the best path forward.
We act for you
We handle everything and pursue the outcome you deserve — keeping you informed throughout.
Questions
Estate administration FAQs
What is probate?
A grant from the Supreme Court that officially recognises the executor’s authority to administer the deceased’s estate. Many institutions require it before releasing assets.
What happens if there’s no will?
The estate is distributed under Queensland’s intestacy laws in a strict order of priority — spouse and children first. An eligible person applies for letters of administration to manage the estate.
What is resealing a foreign grant?
A court process that gives legal effect in Queensland to probate or letters of administration issued in another jurisdiction — needed when the deceased held assets here but the grant was made elsewhere.
What does an executor have to do?
Obtain the grant if required, collect the assets, pay debts and taxes, keep proper records, and distribute the estate under the will — all while meeting legal duties to the beneficiaries. We guide executors through each step.
Administering an estate? We’ll guide you through.
Book your free, confidential consultation today. No pressure, no obligation — just clear advice on your next steps.