Deceased Estates

We will need to verify the representative’s identity. This is because we can only share account information with the estate executor, administrator, or next of kin if there is no executor or administrator. Once confirmed, we will advise our requirements and next steps. 

If a solicitor is acting on behalf of the estate’s representative, we require notice in writing from the solicitor confirming they act for the estate.

Once you get in touch with us, we’ll confirm the specific documents you’ll need to provide. Generally, they will include: 

• Deceased estate notification form 
• The deceased person’s death certificate 
• The deceased person’s current will (if one exists) 
• Proof of identity of each executor or administrator.  

We may also require some additional documentation, depending on the matters of the estate, especially if the accounts are holding $50,000 or more.  These are generally: 

• Grant of Probate (as well as resealing) 
• Letters of Administration (as well as resealing) 
• Request to finalise the estate 
• Funeral account or invoice.

Please send the documents by:

Emailing them to: estatesupport@auswidebank.com.au 
Posting them to: Auswide Bank, PO Box 1063, Bundaberg Qld 4670 

One of the first steps is often covering funeral expenses. We can assist by releasing funds from the deceased's account to help with this.

To do so, we’ll likely need an invoice from the funeral directors, a certified copy of the will (if available), and a signed electronic payment form endorsed by the executor/s.  Don't worry, if funeral expenses have already been paid, we can arrange reimbursement.

One of our priorities during this time is to protect your loved one’s accounts. As a general rule, we’ll freeze the account to prevent any unauthorised debits or transfers, although some regular payments (like direct debits or subscriptions) may continue. If you prefer, you can ask us to stop all payments. 

Joint savings and investment accounts typically remain unchanged. If you’d like to make any adjustments to a joint account, please contact us by visiting or calling your local Elders branch.

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of financial concerns, especially if you're dependent on income or savings which now form part of the estate. We’re here to help ease that burden. Please call your local Elders branch, and we can discuss the options that may be available to you.

A Grant of Probate is a legal document from the Supreme Court that confirms a person’s authority to manage the estate of someone who has passed away. You will typically need a Grant of Probate when the balance of accounts with us is $50,000 or more, or if the estate involves multiple properties (outside the family home).

Elders Finance is authorised to distribute products issued by Auswide Bank Limited, and as Auswide is a Queensland-based Bank, we require any Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from another state to be “resealed” by the Queensland Supreme Court. This resealing process follows the British Probates Act 1898 and applies to grants from Australian states and territories, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

For more guidance, we recommend seeking legal advice.

The time it takes to finalise an estate can vary, depending on the situation and the time needed to gather all the necessary documentation. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete. Sometimes we may need information or instructions from multiple parties, which can add to the timeline. Rest assured, we will always work to finalise your instructions as quickly as possible.

 A person appointed by the Supreme Court (of the applicable State) to administer a deceased estate when the deceased has not left a will, or if they have, where the nominated executor is unable to or does not wish to act.

To bear witness to the genuineness or authenticity of a document by signing as a witness, to authenticate a document.

A person who sees the will-maker sign his or her will document, and then signs the same document themselves as proof that it was signed in their presence. Having done this, they can then declare or attest that they witnessed the will-maker sign their own will.

An attorney is a person who has been appointed by someone else to make certain decisions in their place.

This may be an executor, administrator, prospective administrator, or the next of kin of the deceased person.

A beneficiary is a person who is to receive property left by a deceased person whether distributed according to the deceased's will or under the statutory rules on intestacy.

When more than one person has been appointed by a will-maker to administer their estate.

All the property (both real estate and personal property) a person owns in their sole name when they die. The estate of a deceased person is what the deceased has left, whether by their will or under the statutory rules on intestacy.

A document in a form set down by law (see the Power of Attorney Act in each state and territory) which allows a person to name someone else to act on their behalf in regard to their finances and property, should they become incapacitated. 

A person's property, including real estate and personal items, see ‘deceased estate’.

A person appointed by will to manage, administer, distribute and finalise a deceased estate in accordance with the terms of the will. The executor is also responsible for making arrangements to dispose of the body. An executor may be one or more individual persons, or a trustee corporation, or public trustee permitted to offer trustee services.

See Probate.

See Representation.

When a person dies without having made a valid will according to law, or if they did, for some reason it may not be legally valid, either in whole or in part so it does not completely dispose of their property. They are said to have died intestate. An administrator is then appointed by the Supreme Court, Probate Registry or Division.

A person less than 18 years of age.

Generally understood to be the person or persons closest to you, and whom you would want to be contacted in an emergency.

Personal representatives of a deceased person are executors (if a will was left) or administrators on intestacy. 

A process by which the will or a document alleged to be the will of a deceased person is proven to be valid according to law. A Grant of Probate is an official document certified and issued by the Supreme Court (of a State) as evidence that the Court has recognised and confirmed the authority of the person/s named as executor/s to go ahead and deal with the deceased estate according to the deceased's will, and distribute their assets and property, both real and personal. This must take place first before the executor can obtain title to the property forming the deceased estate, that is, before “calling in" the deceased's assets.

If there is no will, the deceased has died intestate, and in such circumstances, an administrator is appointed, and instead of a grant of probate, they are granted 'letters of administration', or simply administration.

A statutory authority or government office. Established by an Act of Parliament, a Public Trustee exists to provide trustee services, will services, act as executor, as administrator for intestate estates, financial management services and powers of attorney, among others. Each state and territory have their own Public Trustee.

Real estate.

A term more commonly used to refer collectively to grants of probate or administration. A Grant of Representation confirms who has authority to act on behalf of the estate, and who has responsibility for collecting the assets of the estate, clearing any debts, and distributing funds to the beneficiaries.

This is a legal right that attaches to the joint ownership of property, whether it is real property (land) or personal property. It is a feature of joint tenancy.

See ‘right of survivorship’.

A type of property ownership where two or more people own a defined, undivided share (for example, one quarter, three quarters) in the same property.

Latin, meaning a will. It is the formal written document produced when a person records their intentions as to the disposal or transfer of their personal property for when they pass away. Its operation is triggered only in the event of death. In modern will writing, the phrase “Last will and testament" has been reduced to 'last will'.

A person who makes a will. 

A person (or company) appointed to hold property on trust for others, the beneficiaries subject to the terms set out in a will, as a testamentary trust. Executors are often appointed to act as trustees where a trustee role is required following the administration of the estate.

 Is the officially recognised legal record of a person's intentions as to what they want to have happen to their property when they die. It is a document that seeks to dispose of the estate of a person on their death.

A person who makes a will.