When you are named as a beneficiary in a Will - and the Public Trustee has been appointed to administer the estate - we will meet with you to discuss the next steps.

We can meet with all beneficiaries together, or individually.

You will need to bring the following documents with you (or send them to us).

What if I can't find everything?

A good place to start is to check your loved one's house, including:

  • all filing cabinets
  • desks and drawers
  • a spare room or office
  • any place paperwork is usually kept.

You might also need to check with their bank - some people may keep important documents in a safety deposit box.

Don't worry if you can't find everything - bring what you can and we will discuss what to do with the remaining documents.

What to bring

You'll need to bring:

  • the original death certificate (we need the original and cannot accept copies)
  • details of immediate family members
  • details for the beneficiaries named in the Will, including:
    • legal and full names
    • residential addresses
    • email addresses
    • contact numbers.

Some of the documents listed below may not be relevant for your circumstances.

  • Certificates of Title for all real estate (including vacant land)
  • Home and contents insurance policies for all real estate
  • Documents relating to any mortgages or loans on real estate, like:
    • initial mortgage agreements
    • recent statements of balance
  • Registration papers for all vehicles (including motorbikes, boats, caravans, trailers and cars)
  • Insurance policies for all vehicles
  • The deceased person's driver's licence.

  • Details of bank accounts including passbooks, cheque books or statements
  • Term deposit receipts
  • Credit and debit cards
  • Details of superannuation funds
  • Stock and share certificates, including:
    • current statements of holdings
    • any capital gains tax records
    • sale and purchase contract notes
    • personal record books associated with investments
  • Details of any business owned by the deceased person.

  • Most recent accounts for:
    • telephone
    • electricity
    • gas
    • water rates
    • land tax
    • council rates
  • Any outstanding accounts (store accounts, accounts for services)
  • Funeral plan, funeral insurance or prepaid funeral details
  • Either the funeral account with the amount that is still owed, or the receipt showing the funeral account has been paid.
  • Life insurance policies.

  • The last income tax return and assessment notice (if the return was lodged within the last 5 years)
  • Any available information for tax purposes for the current financial year (like receipts, travel log books)
  • The deceased person's Tax File Number.

  • Medicare card and any health fund membership details
  • Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, or cards for other entitlements
  • Seniors card
  • SA Ambulance card
  • Store account cards.

Our estate administration appointment checklist (PDF, 172.3 KB) can help you gather the information you need for your appointment.