When someone dies, their property, money and debts usually need to be dealt with. This is called the deceased person's estate.
If you are responsible for dealing with an estate, you may need to apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for probate or letters of administration.
This page will help you:
- understand what the Probate Office does
- decide what information you need
- find the right next step for your situation
Watch: Welcome to the Probate Office
The following is a transcript of the 'RedCrest-Probate - Welcome to the Probate Office' video.
Transcript
Welcome to the Supreme Court of Victoria Probate Office.
If you have recently lost a loved one, and need to apply for probate or administration, this website is here to help you.
You can apply for probate, administration or a reseal yourself, you do not need a lawyer to do this.
If you are unsure whether you want to apply yourself, we recommend watching this video and then reviewing our step-by-step guide to help you decide.Here is a high-level overview of how the process works.
Applications are made online using our system called RedCrest-Probate.
RedCrest-Probate helps you prepare the documents needed for your court application.
This includes an online advertisement, and an affidavit where you give important information to the Court.As part of your application, you will need documents such as:
- a certified copy of the death certificate cause of death,
- the original Will or Codicil if there is one; and
- information about the assets and debts of the deceased.
Once the document package has been created on RedCrest-Probate, you print and sign the required forms in front of a qualified witness, such as a justice of the peace.
RedCrest-Probate provides an instruction sheet advising exactly what needs to be signed and taken to your witness.After signing, you upload the documents and submit your application online.
If there is a will or codicil you then provide the original to the Probate Office.The Probate Office then reviews your application.
If your application is granted, the Probate Office emails you a grant of probate or letters of administration.
This grant allows you to deal with banks, Land Use Victoria, and other organisations on behalf of the estate.
This video explains how to apply for probate or letters of administration and use RedCrest-Probate. You do not need a lawyer to apply, but you can choose to use one.
Tip: If you are unsure whether you want to apply yourself, watch the video first, and follow the links below for more detailed guidance.
Common next steps
The Probate Office:
- processes application for probate and letters of administration
- issues grants of representation
- maintains a register of grants issued by the Court
- hold wills deposited with the Court for safekeeping
The Supreme Court of Victoria has exclusive authority to issue grants relating to deceased estates.
What can we help with?
- general information about probate and administration
- how to apply, forms and fees
- Court processes and requirements
- searching probate records
What we cannot help with
- legal advice
- advice about administering an estate
If you need advice about your legal rights or responsibilities, you should speak with a lawyer.
If there is a valid will
The executor named in the will usually applies for probate and deals with the estate.
If there is no executor able to apply, a beneficiary usually applies for administration with the will annexed.
If there is no valid will
A close family member or next of kin usually applies for letters of administration.
In both cases, the person responsible must:
- pay debts of the estate
- distribute remaining assets according to the will or the law
Related links
Not every estate needs probate or letters of administration.
Whether you need a grant depends on factors such as:
- the value and type of assets
- how assets are held
- the requirements of banks, Land Use Victoria or other organisations.
Applications for probate, letters of administration and reseals are made online using RedCrest-Probate.
RedCrest-Probate helps you:
- publish the required notice of intention
- prepare Court documents
- understand what must be signed and witnessed
- submit your application online
The video above explain the process at a high level.
Related links
Before an application is filed, the applicant must publish a notice of intention.
You can
- search recent notices without a RedCrest-Probate account
- search the application index
- search files after a grant has been issued (fees apply)
Contact the Probate Office
Most people can find the information they need on this website or in RedCrest-Probate.
Before contacting the Probate Office, we encourage you to:
- watch the video on this page
- read the step-by-step guide and help with probate office processes
- click the relevant pages linked above
These resources answer most common questions about probate, letters of administration and how to apply.
If you have looked through the website and RedCrest-Probate and cannot find the information you need, the Probate Office can help with general information about Court processes.
How to contact us
Phone
(03) 8600 2006
Available from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Email
cebongr@fhcpbheg.ivp.tbi.nhua.vog.civ.truocpus@etaborp
Please note:
- we cannot provide legal advice
- we cannot advise you on how to administer an estate
- we cannot check or approve applications before they are filed
For legal advice about your situation, you should speak to a lawyer.
In-person services and appointments
The Probate Office provides limited in-person services by pre-booked appointment at the Supreme Court Service Centre.
Most services can be accessed online. Appointments are generally only needed for specific matters, such as witnessing affidavits.
Supreme Court Service Centre
450 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
We are aware of unauthorised individuals are impersonating the Supreme Court Probate Office.
If you receive suspicious communication:
- do not respond
- do not click on links or open attachments
- contact the Probate Office directly using official contact details
Phone: (03) 8600 2006 9.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays
Postal Address: Probate Office Supreme Court of Victoria PO Box 13331 Law Courts Victoria 8010
Address: 450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening hours: 9.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays