What to discuss at the first meeting
Explain your role and whether an executor has been appointed or an application already made. Administration involves collecting information, addressing liabilities and recording decisions, not simply distributing belongings.
Confirm the scope of executor assistance, application work, asset transfers and accounting before comparing fees.
Working with a firm in New England & North West
For advice around Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Gunnedah, distinguish personal matters from business or farm matters at the first enquiry. Land, a trading business and a family estate may involve different owners and documents.
For probate & estate administration, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside New England & North West. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
- 01
List family members, property, debts, companies, trusts and superannuation. Identify where original documents are held and which assets are jointly owned.
- 02
Ask what each document or application would achieve. Confirm which state rules and asset-ownership arrangements need to be considered.
- 03
Agree on signing, storage and future reviews, or on the executor’s responsibilities for records and distributions. Identify changes that should prompt further advice.
Fees and the scope of work
Compare a simple-will quote with more involved planning or estate administration. Ask about searches, applications, valuations and coordination with an accountant.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Provide the date of death and any estate correspondence promptly. Ask about relevant deadlines before distributing assets, signing a release or assuming a dispute can wait.
