Probate Lawyers
Our Probate Lawyers guide estate administration clearly and professionally, ensuring assets are managed correctly and efficiently.
How Can We Help You?
Probate Lawyers – Guiding You Through Estate Administration
Managing a deceased estate can be complex and stressful. Our Probate Lawyers, servicing the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions and surrounds, provide expert guidance on probate applications, estate administration, and executor responsibilities.
With professionalism and genuine empathy, we support clients through the entire process, ensuring legal compliance and protecting assets, helping you achieve clarity and confidence during a difficult time.
Clarity Lawyers Probate Experts – Guiding You Through Estate Administration
Administering a deceased estate requires careful attention to legal obligations. Our Probate Lawyers assist with probate applications, executor duties and estate distribution.
We provide expert advice, practical guidance, and personalised support throughout the process, helping clients manage assets, resolve legal matters efficiently, and achieve clarity and confidence during difficult times.
How Can We Help You?
Grant of Probate
We prepare and file applications for probate in the NSW Supreme Court to confirm the executor’s authority.
Letters of Administration
We assist when there is no valid will, helping administrators obtain authority to manage the estate.
Estate Administration
We support executors with collecting assets, paying debts and distributing estates in line with the will or law.
Debt Management
We guide executors in identifying, verifying and paying estate liabilities before distributing assets.
Asset Distribution
We assist in transferring property, funds and other estate assets to beneficiaries correctly and efficiently.
Foreign Reseals
We act in resealing overseas grants of probate or administration so Australian assets can be dealt with.
Two Easy Ways to Get Started With Us
Book A Free 15-Minute Discussion
Speak with one of our experienced lawyers to get early advice, understand your options, and find out how we can help, with no cost and no pressure.
Samantha has been a lawyer since 2001 having followed in the steps of her father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. No one can say she didn’t know what she was getting into!
Initially admitted in 2001 as a solicitor in NSW and Australia, Samantha moved to the UK where she was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2002. After working in several different areas of the law in large London firms, she determined that family law was her calling and hasn’t looked back.
Samantha has been back in Newcastle since 2016 and has since completed her Master of Applied Law (Majoring in Family Law) ensuring that her legal knowledge is comprehensive and completely up to date.
Samantha thrives on taking people from what is sometimes one of the most vulnerable and stressful moments in their lives through to being able to plan and see a happy future ahead of them.
Outside of work Samantha has a husband, three daughters and a dachshund named Keith. They keep themselves busy in the outdoors and particularly enjoy holidays in their VW campervan.
Thanks Sam,
You were actually referred to me by one of your previous clients. Just goes to show how strong word of mouth is, especially in this town. There are now even more people running around Newcastle saying what a terrific job you do.
From my perspective, you are light years ahead of the competition. It is so good to see a professional with such great customer service, who can communicate in a calm clear manner, especially when I am usually a bit emotional. ☺
Keep up the good work Sam, I look forward to continuing to work with you on my matter.
Regards
Thanks Samantha,
I’m still feeling a little shell-shocked but slowly getting used to the idea that it is nearly all over.
Thank you for all your support – professionally and emotionally. It was a big day and I was glad you were with me throughout the entire process,
Good morning Samantha
Thank you very much for your advice and support during the last 2 years. I am pleased to have settled the matter. It's appreciated and I will highly recommend you.
Thanks again
Probate Lawyers FAQs
What is probate, and why is it required?
Probate is a legal document issued by the Supreme Court of New South Wales confirming that a deceased person’s Will is valid and that the executor has legal authority to manage the deceased person’s estate. It allows Estate Lawyers to deal with banks, superannuation funds and financial institutions so the deceased’s assets can be collected and distributed according to the Will.
What areas do you service?
Our Wills and Estate Lawyers provide probate and estate administration services across the Hunter Region. We have offices in Newcastle (Level 4, T&G Building, 45 Hunter Street) and Maitland (Level 2, 14 Bulwer Street, by appointment). We regularly assist families in Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Singleton and Muswellbrook. If you live elsewhere in New South Wales or Australia, we can support you by phone or video chat.
Do I always need probate for a deceased person’s estate?
Not every deceased person’s estate requires probate. Whether probate is needed depends on the nature and value of the deceased’s assets. For example, some banks release small balances without court documents, but larger estates usually need probate or Letters of Administration. Our experienced team provides clear advice so you understand if the process is required in your circumstances.
How do I apply for probate in New South Wales?
Applying for probate involves preparing relevant documents for the Supreme Court, including the deceased person’s Will, death certificate and an inventory of assets owned. Our expert Probate Lawyers handle the whole application process, ensuring legal documentation is accurate and submitted on time. With our fixed fee probate service, you receive efficient service, good communication and guidance through what can be a complex process.
What happens if there is no valid Will?
If a person dies without leaving a valid Will, intestacy laws apply in New South Wales. This means the deceased person’s estate is distributed according to strict rules, often leaving family members with little flexibility. Our Wills and Estate Lawyers provide legal support with such applications, ensuring estate administration is handled properly while reducing the risk of estate disputes or unfair outcomes for beneficiaries.
What are Letters of Administration?
If the deceased person did not leave a valid Will or the executor is unable to act, the Supreme Court may issue letters of administration. This legal authority allows an eligible family member to manage estate administration, collect the deceased’s assets, pay outstanding debts and distribute them to other beneficiaries. Our Estate Lawyers assist with the whole process, providing legal services and guidance to make it easier.
How much does probate cost?
The cost of probate depends on the size of the deceased person’s estate and the complexity of the application. Court filing fees apply, along with legal fees for preparing documents and assisting with the estate administration process. We offer a fixed-fee probate service with upfront payment options, giving you clear communication, transparency on expenses incurred, and highly professional support from our experienced team.
Clarify Lawyers Will Support You Through The Legal Process Of Probate
The probate process doesn’t need to be daunting. Our Probate Lawyers provide straightforward advice to help you manage estate administration, finalise legal requirements and care for your loved ones. We’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
