What happens after someone passes away?

If someone passes away with a Will, their executor will need to apply for a grant of probate with the Supreme Court. Approval is needed before they can start carrying out the instructions contained in the Will and administer the deceased estate. 

If the deceased did not leave a clear inventory of their assets and liabilities with their Will the executor will need to determine the full scope of their estate. They may do this by checking personal papers to see if the deceased left accounts with certain banks, retained shareholdings, or retained ownership of property, vehicles or collectibles. They can also speak to the person's accountant or lawyer to understand what was owned. For liabilities, the executor will need to write to utility providers and telecommunications companies to see if the deceased held accounts with them. 

Additionally, the executor can use the Australian Death Notification Service to notify various organisations about the person's passing. These organisations will then directly contact the executor if the person held accounts with them.

Once this process is complete and all assets and liabilities have been identified the executor can carry out a person's wishes as specified in the Will.