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ARTICLE · 15 SEPTEMBER 2024

What to do when someone dies

Bartier Perry Solicitors
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Certain legal steps must be followed before an estate can be distributed to beneficiaries.

AustraliaWealth Management
Alicia Chok
Alicia Chok
Gerard Basha
Gerard Basha
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The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to handling their estate. Certain legal steps must be followed before an estate can be distributed to beneficiaries.

The relevant procedure will depend on:

  1. whether the deceased left a Will; and
  2. the nature and value of the assets owned.

The following steps are New South Wales (NSW) focused, however, they apply equally to the other states and self-governing states of Australia.

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Step 1: Obtain the death certificate

After a person dies, the doctor who confirms the death will notify the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages of the death and cause of death, through a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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