How to apply for a grant of probate or administration

Not every estate needs a grant from the Court. Sometimes, you can manage things informally.

Find out if you need a grant.

There are different types of grants depending on the situation.

Answer a few questions to find out which type you need.

Before you start your application, it’s helpful to collect all the important documents and details. This will make the process smoother and help you feel more prepared.

You may need:

• the original will and any codicils (if there are any)
• the death certificate – cause of death
• a list of the person’s assets and debts (like bank accounts, property, or loans)
• contact details for anyone named in the will.

You don’t need to have everything perfect right away. Just start with what you have, and you can come back to this step if you need more time.

You will need a RedCrest-Probate account to apply online. 

Watch a short video on how to create a RedCrest-Probate account.

You must publish a notice (advertise) online at least 15 days before applying.

• Log in to RedCrest-Probate.
• Click 'File a new advertisement/application'.
• Choose 'Commence a new application for a grant or to reseal'.
• Answer all of the questions to prepare your notice.

Watch a video on how to publish your notice.

After you've published your advertisement, you can begin preparing your application documents. Click "Next" to answer the remaining questions and generate your affidavit and inventory of assets and liabilities.  

Important:

• Review the documents carefully. If you need to make changes, go back and update your answers.
• If you need to tell us something more in the affidavit, you can type the information in before printing.
• The affidavit must be signed in front of someone authorised to witness it. You can book an appointment at the Supreme Court of Victoria to do this if you prefer.
• You can save your application and continue later by logging into RedCrest-Probate and clicking on your application in 'My drafts and filings'.

Watch a video on the next steps to prepare the affidavit

Once your affidavit is signed and ready:

• Scan each document (the affidavit, will and codicils (if any); death certificate – cause of death; inventory of assets and liabilities) separately.
• Log in to RedCrest-Probate.
• Click on 'View my drafts and filings'.
• Click on the application and go to the 'Upload documents and pay fees' page.
• Upload the documents.
• Submit your application and pay the fee (if there is one).

After you have submitted your application you will be advised if you need to send anything to us in the post. For example, if you have applied for probate you will need to send:

• the original will and codicils (if any)
• the certificate identifying exhibits for the will/codicils
• the originating motion created by RedCrest-Probate.

Watch a video about filing your application

Once you’ve submitted your application and posted the original documents, the Probate Office will begin reviewing your application.

• We will email you to confirm when we receive the original will.
• Your application will then be reviewed by a staff member.
• If we need more information, we’ll send you an email explaining what’s required.
• If everything is in order, we’ll email you to let you know the grant has been made and you will receive a copy.

Please check your email regularly, including your junk or spam folder, in case we need to contact you.

This step may take some time, but we’ll keep you informed. You don’t need to follow up unless you’ve been waiting longer than expected.

If further information is required before a grant can be issued, you will receive an email that details the further steps required.

Watch a video about filing further documents.

Once you have received the grant, you are legally authorised to manage the estate of the person who has died.

This means you can:

• contact banks, share registries, and other organisations that hold assets
• provide them with the grant and any other documents they request
• collect and manage the assets
• pay any outstanding debts
• distribute what remains according to the will (if there is one), or according to the law (if there isn’t).

Sharing the grant with asset holders:

The grant is available on RedCrest-Probate. To allow asset holders to view it you will need to give them:

• the application number
• the unique identifier (both are shown on the grant).

The Court can't give these details.

Please note:

The Probate Office’s role ends once the grant is issued. We cannot assist with administering the estate, but you may wish to seek legal or financial advice if you’re unsure about your responsibilities.