Estate Administration & Probate
When someone you love passes away, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming.
For over 80 years, we have helped Coffs Coast families executors and families settle an estate with clarity, efficiency, and compassion.
We understand it can be challenging to know what to do next while managing grief, family dynamics, legal paperwork, and the demands of daily life.
Whether you need help applying for Probate, obtaining Letters of Administration, administering an estate, or managing disputes between beneficiaries, we take care of the legal requirements so you can focus on your family.
We guide you through every step
Our principal, Manny Wood, is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates.
He is one of the most experienced succession lawyers on the Coffs Coast, and leads the TB Law Probate & Estate Administration team.
Most estates can be settled within 6-12 months, depending on complexity. We work closely with executors and administrators to ensure they meet their legal obligations and avoid common pitfalls.
Ensuring your loved one’s wishes are honoured
We offer practical, compassionate legal support for executors, administrators, and families navigating:
Grants of probate (when a valid will exists)
Letters of administration (if there is no will)
Locating and valuing estate assets
Managing jointly held assets and superannuation
Liaising with banks, insurers, brokers, real estate agents, and accountants
Paying debts, funeral expenses, and unpaid taxes
Responding to creditor claims or third-party disputes
Distributing the final estate to beneficiaries
Handling cross-border matters (e.g. interstate or international probate)
Advising on potential estate disputes or family provision claims under the Succession Act.
We explain your options in simple terms, protect your legal rights, and guide you every step of the way, from early advice to court if needed.
No upfront legal fees
In most cases, our legal fees are paid from the estate after probate is granted. This means executors do not pay out-of-pocket for legal services.
Estate administration is typically a two-stage process
Obtaining probate or letters of administration: this is a fixed-fee service.
Administering the estate: this includes collecting assets, dealing with liabilities, and distributing to beneficiaries. The cost of this stage depends on the complexity of the estate and the work required.
The Supreme Court charges filing fees based on estate value. For estates over $1 million, we may ask for the filing fee to be paid upfront. For smaller estates, we typically cover the filing fee and recover it from the estate, meaning no upfront costs for executors.
Why choose TB Law
Coffs Harbour’s longest-standing legal firm: with over 80 years of trusted service, we have supported generations of Coffs Coast families through this difficult process.
Manny Wood, our principal solicitor, is an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates.
Our team is highly experienced with probates and high-value, contested estates, including trusts, businesses, blended families, rural property, and high-stake disputes.
Executors value our ability to take the stress away from their role and our wealth of experience means that the process is as efficient as possible.
We offer practical, down-to-earth guidance, in simple terms.
We understand this is not just a legal matter; it’s also an emotional time.
No upfront legal costs for most matters and fixed fees for grant applications.
Our trust account can be used to avoid setting up a separate estate bank account.
We can liaise with banks, superannuation funds, stock brokers and accountants.
“Helpful, thorough, prompt and responsive. Manny and the team gave a great sense of confidence throughout a stressful process.”
P.G., Coffs Coast
“What I appreciated most was Manny's ability to explain legal jargon in plain language, making the entire process stress-free. His professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to my best interests was evident throughout. ”
C.D., Coffs Harbour
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION & PROBATE
“The whole process felt easy and efficient. I was given the time to reflect on what felt like big, difficult decisions and I am very much at peace with the outcome. I couldn’t recommend Ticli Blaxland Lawyers more highly.”
S.I. Coffs Harbour Jetty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of proving a will is valid, while granting the executor authority to administer the estate. It is often required before assets like real estate, bank accounts, life insurance, or investments can be released to beneficiaries. Not all estates need probate. We can help you determine if a grant of probate is necessary and manage the application process on your behalf.
What if there is no will?
You may need to apply for Letters of Administration, which allow the administrator (usually a spouse, child, or close family member) to manage and distribute the estate according to NSW intestacy laws. We can guide you through this process.
How long does probate take?
A straightforward application usually takes 4-6 weeks from filing. More complex estates - or those involving disputes, overseas assets, or unclear documentation - may take longer. After reviewing the estate, we can advise on a realistic timeframe.
How much does it cost?
Our legal fees are generally paid from the estate after probate is granted. We offer fixed fees for straightforward probate applications and we provide a clear cost estimate upfront for more complex estates. For larger estates, we request the court filing fee upfront; for smaller estates, this is paid from the estate. Complex estates receive detailed cost estimates.
What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is the person named in a will to manage the estate and carry out the deceased’s wishes. Their duties include collecting assets, paying debts (like funeral costs, tax, and loans), and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. If there’s no valid will, the court appoints an administrator (usually a spouse, child, or next of kin) to manage the estate according to NSW intestacy laws.
What are my responsibilities as an executor or administrator?
You must act in the estate’s best interests, including collecting and protecting assets, paying debts, lodging tax returns, and distributing to beneficiaries. We’ll explain your duties and help you fulfill them confidently and in accordance with the law.
What if someone is challenging the will?
If someone is making a claim (or you suspect they might), seek advice early. We can assist with NSW Family Provision claims, informal promises, or disputes between siblings or blended families. Visit our Estate Disputes page for further information.
What if the executor isn't fulfilling their responsibilities?
Executors have legal duties to act in the estate and beneficiaries' best interests. If you are concerned about an executor's conduct, we can advise on your rights and take action to protect your interests.
Not sure where to start?
If you have recently lost a loved one, are managing an estate, or are concerned about how an estate is being handled, we can guide you on the next steps.
An Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates can guide you through the process, whether the estate involves complex assets (such as property titles, shares, life insurance, trusts, business interests, or jointly held accounts) and circumstances like blended families, overseas beneficiaries, or potential litigation.
Book a consultation and speak with a lawyer at a time that suits you, or call us on 02 66 487 487
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