When a person dies they often leave behind property, assets and debts that need to be managed and finalised.
This is often referred to as a deceased person's 'estate'.
Where a valid will exists the estate will usually be finalised by the executor named in the will.
If there is no valid will then the deceased's closest next of kin will usually be responsible for finalising the estate, and may be appointed administrator of the estate.
The executor or administrator must make sure any debts are paid and that any remaining assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes (where there is a will) or the laws of intestacy (where there is no will).
For more information see the menu items to the left or one of the questions below.
Grants of probate and letters of administration are collectively referred to as grants of representation.
A grant of representation gives a person the legal right to administer the estate of a deceased person.
Probate is a legal document that certifies that a will is valid and can be acted upon. Letters of administration are issued where the deceased has left no valid will or there is no executor named in the will able to make an application.
Visit our page about grants of probate and administration of deceased estates for more information, and to find out when probate or administration may be required.
Visit our page that provides a step-by-step guide about applying for probate or administration.
All advertisements, applications and subsequent documents filed with the Probate Office are to be filed electronically via RedCrest-Probate.
Prior to filing an application, the person applying must publish notice of their intention to apply on RedCrest-Probate. Advertisements published in the last three years can be searched via RedCrest-Probate without needing to create an account or login.
You can find out if an application has been filed with the Probate Office by searching the application index. If an application appears on the index and has a status of 'Application granted' the file can be searched on payment of a fee.
Visit our page about searching records held with the Probate Office for more information about searching probate records.
The Supreme Court of Victoria has exclusive jurisdiction to make orders in relation to the:
- validity of wills
- appointment of an executor or administrator of a deceased estate
- administration of deceased estates.
The Probate Office deals with all applications for grants of probate and administration, and maintains a register of all grants issued by the Court and all wills deposited with the Court for safekeeping.
The Probate Office can give you general information about making an application for probate or administration, but we cannot advise you on how to administer an estate. For more information on your legal rights, responsibilities and options we encourage you to talk to a solicitor to obtain specific advice regarding your situation.
We can help you with general information on:
Contacting the Probate Office
Most of the information we can assist with is available on our website or RedCrest-Probate. If you cannot find an answer to your question on the website or RedCrest-Probate, you can contact the Probate Office in the following ways.
The Probate Office provides in-person services via pre-booked appointments at the Supreme Court Service Centre located at 450 Little Bourke Street. The Service Centre is open from 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
You can book an appointment online to have an affidavit in support of an application witnessed, or call the Probate Office on (03) 8600 2006 to book another type of appointment.
The Probate Office is available to take phone enquiries on (03) 8600 2006 from 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
The Probate Office can also be contacted via email: cebongr@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@etaborp