Immediate Steps
First few days Locate the original will (not a copy)
Check if there are any later wills or codicils
Identify who the executor is — confirm you're the right person
Secure the deceased's home and valuables
Locate keys, access cards, and safe combinations
Arrange care for any pets
Notify immediate family members
Want all checklists as a printable PDF? Complete executor toolkit — no spam, unsubscribe anytime
Documents to Locate
For probate application Original will (and any codicils)
Death certificate (order multiple certified copies — you'll need them)
Birth certificate of deceased
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Deed poll or change of name certificate (if applicable)
Your own identification (executor)
Financial Documents to Gather
Bank statements from all accounts
Credit card statements
Mortgage documents
Property titles or ownership documents
Superannuation statements and fund contact details
Life insurance policies
Share certificates or share registry statements
Managed fund statements
Loan documents (money owed to or by deceased)
Vehicle registration papers
Tax returns (last 2-3 years)
Business records (if applicable)
People and Organisations to Notify
Death notification Banks and financial institutions
Superannuation fund(s)
Life insurance company
Employer (if still working)
Centrelink / Services Australia
Medicare
Private health insurer
Australian Taxation Office
Electoral commission
Service Cancellations or Transfers
Utility companies (electricity, gas, water)
Phone and internet providers
Council (rates)
Insurance companies (home, car, contents)
Subscriptions and memberships
Streaming services
Post Office (redirect mail)
Legal and Financial Contacts
Solicitor who prepared the will
Accountant
Financial adviser
Business partners (if applicable)
Landlord or tenants (if applicable)
Information to Compile
For the probate application Full legal name of deceased (and any other names used)
Date of death
Last address
Date of birth
Place of birth
Occupation
Marital status at death
Names and addresses of all beneficiaries
Names and addresses of executors
Asset Inventory
You'll need to value the estate Real estate — current valuations or appraisals
Bank account balances (at date of death)
Superannuation balance
Share values (at date of death)
Vehicle values
Valuable items (jewellery, art, collections)
Business interests
Money owed to the deceased
Any other assets
Liabilities to Identify
Mortgage balance
Credit card balances
Personal loans
Outstanding bills
Tax liabilities
Money owed to others
Funeral expenses
Beneficiaries Information
Full names of all beneficiaries named in the will
Current addresses
Relationship to deceased
Contact details
Questions to Answer Before Applying
Is probate actually required? (small estates may not need it)
Which state has jurisdiction? (usually where deceased lived)
Are there any assets that pass outside the will? (joint property, super)
Are there any potential claims against the estate?
Are there any debts that need immediate attention?
Is there a family provision risk?
Digital Matters
Email account access
Social media accounts (to memorialise or close)
Online banking passwords
Subscription services to cancel
Cloud storage with photos or documents
Cryptocurrency access (if any)
Where to Look for Documents
Home filing cabinet or desk
Safe or lockbox
Bank safe deposit box
With their solicitor
With their accountant
Email inbox (statements, policies)
Online accounts and portals
Professional Help
Consider whether you need Probate solicitor (for the application)
Accountant (for tax returns and estate accounting)
Valuer (for real estate or valuables)
Financial adviser (for investment decisions)
Next Steps
With these documents and information gathered, you're ready to begin the probate process. The steps involved, time frames, and court requirements vary significantly by state.
We recommend consulting with a probate solicitor in your state to guide you through the application process and ensure all requirements are met.