Before you begin
Learn more about what to do before you begin a Montane Estates administration.
Accepting your executor role
Whether you were asked by the Willmaker to be executor or you have just found out you’re appointed, you are not obliged to act as executor. If you choose to go ahead, you can get started on locating important documents.
Locate the Will
You may need the Will to confirm you are the executor. When you’ve confirmed this, you then must make sure that the Will you have is the last Will of the Willmaker.
Make a list of estate assets
Organise a list of estate assets to refer to as you progress through the steps of the estate administration. The list of estate assets should include:
- real estate
- cash accounts
- superannuation
- life and health insurance
- vehicles
- jewelry
- precious metals
- royalties
- tools
- business interests
- copyrights, patents and trademarks
- securities (bonds, mutual funds and stocks)
- furniture
- china, silver and other collectibles
- computers and cameras and other electronics
Secure property
As executor, you are responsible for keeping the property of the estate safe. If no one is living in the house/s of the deceased person, you need to secure it. Park any vehicles in a safe place.
Get a Death Certificate
The Death Certificate is a vital document in the administration of an estate. Banks and other institutions require the Death Certificate for the release of funds. Your funeral parlour will usually apply for a Death Certificate as part of their service.
Learn more
- Learn more about a Grant of Probate.
- Find out how to mange emotions and expectations.
- Get help to keep beneficiaries informed.
- Learn about family provision and what steps to take in an estate dispute.
Contact Montane Support
Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we’ll connect you to an expert.