When you are the executor or administrator of an estate, you are required to identify, secure, and evaluate all assets to determine the overall scope and worth of the estate. These assets can include:

• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Real estate
• Vehicles
• Personal belongings
• Any other valuable possessions

During this process, you may be required to obtain professional valuations for certain assets, such as real estate or valuable collectibles. While this may feel like a big responsibility, you don’t have to go through it alone.

As a professional estate lawyer, I have a wealth of experience guiding executors and administrators of estates through the entire administration process. This includes helping them through the procedure of identifying, taking control of, and valuing their loved one’s assets.

If your loved one’s estate is worth more than $15,000, you will need to apply to the High Court to properly manage the estate after their passing. If there is a Will, then you will need to apply for Probate. However, if there is no Will, you will need to undergo a different application process for Letters of Administration.

In New Zealand, the High Court can be extremely picky during this application process. One small mistake can result in your application being rejected, meaning you will have to start the entire process all over again. Every application you file can take weeks before you receive a response, which can lead to months of failed attempts that get you nowhere.

Managing a deceased estate with the help of a lawyer who specialises in estate administration can help you more easily navigate the intricate and time-consuming processes involved.

Over the years, I’ve had many people approach me for help after they have filed multiple applications for Probate and Letters of Administration to no avail. I’ve been able to give them the information, guidance, and support they need to get through the application process swiftly so they can manage their loved one’s estate with ease.

Once the estate’s assets have been valuated and all relevant High Court applications have been approved, you will then need to settle any outstanding debts your loved one may have had. Outstanding debts, taxes, and other liabilities they had must be addressed and settled using the assets of the estate. This may include notifying creditors, paying off debts, and filing tax returns.

When you work with Caring Estates, I will provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. I can make sure you receive comprehensive legal guidance to help you notify creditors and correctly identify and pay off any outstanding debts with your loved one’s assets.

Once these debts have been paid, I can help you properly distribute all remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the Will or determined by intestacy laws. As the executor or administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring that the assets are distributed according to the deceased’s wishes and/or the legal requirements. Should you require any guidance from an estate lawyer during this process, I will be happy to provide you with the advice you need.

In cases where there are disputes or disagreements among beneficiaries or potential claimants, an estate lawyer can represent their client’s interests to help them resolve the matter properly. At Caring Estates, I can assist people through these kinds of disputes by providing appropriate legal guidance and helping the involved parties resolve their conflicts through the applicable legal channels.