Probate isn’t just “paperwork.” It’s an official legal process that affects banks, property, superannuation, and how assets are transferred after death. And if it’s not done properly, it can delay inheritance, create stress, and even open you up to legal risk. Most people don’t know where to start.
The legal jargon is overwhelming. The government websites feel like a maze.
And you're dealing with this at the worst possible time. You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Our team of experienced probate lawyers put together this eBook to help you understand exactly what’s involved — and give you a clear roadmap from start to finish. This isn’t a generic info sheet. It’s written in plain English, by professionals who handle probate daily, with empathy and insight.
Many people are surprised to learn that probate isn’t always necessary. Our guide explains the specific situations in NSW where probate is required — and where it might be avoided entirely. We walk you through the types of assets that trigger probate (like property, bank accounts, and shares), and help you understand the legal threshold, so you don’t waste time or risk delays.
Being named as an executor carries serious responsibilities. You’ll need to notify institutions, protect estate assets, pay debts, and ensure beneficiaries receive their entitlements — all while complying with strict legal duties. This guide outlines your role clearly, so you know what’s expected and can act confidently and legally.
The NSW probate process can feel like a maze. That’s why we’ve broken it down into manageable, step-by-step actions — from lodging the application with the Supreme Court to the final distribution of assets. You’ll learn what documents are needed, how long each stage takes, and how to avoid common bottlenecks that delay estate finalisation.
Probate errors can be expensive and time-consuming — but they’re also avoidable. In this guide, we highlight the most common traps families fall into and how you can stay ahead of them. Plus, we’ve included a printable checklist used by our legal team to keep clients organised. It’s a tool that will save you hours of stress and second-guessing.
This may be your first time dealing with the legal system — and it’s happening during one of the hardest moments of your life. That’s why we created this guide: to give you calm, clear, and accurate information when you need it most. No guesswork, no legal jargon — just straightforward advice from real lawyers who do this every day.
You deserve to know exactly what’s required of you, without relying on conflicting Google searches or outdated forums. This guide puts everything you need in one place, giving you the confidence to move forward — whether you’re handling probate yourself or considering legal support.
If you feel comfortable managing the process after reading the guide, fantastic. And if you decide you’d rather leave the legal work to us, our experienced team is ready to step in and take it off your plate. Either way, you’ll walk away with clarity, direction, and peace of mind.
If probate is required and you don’t apply, everything stalls. Bank accounts can remain frozen, properties can’t be transferred or sold, and beneficiaries may wait months—or even years—for their inheritance. It's not just a delay, it's a legal dead-end until probate is resolved.
Errors in the application — even small ones — can lead to court rejections and serious delays. Missing documents, incorrect names, or incomplete affidavits are all common mistakes we see, and unfortunately, they can cost families both time and money.
Our guide was created to help you avoid these costly missteps. We show you exactly what’s needed, when, and how to prepare — so you can move forward without stress, second-guessing, or unnecessary setbacks.
"My experience with Aqua Legal in handling my late husband’s estate was flawless. The team were professional and conscientious of my emotional state. Their support and knowledge were invaluable." — R
“Really efficient, patient, and nice to have working for you on your legal matters. Cannot thank Stacy and Ali enough.”
— D.
“Ali helped me during a very stressful and difficult time in my life. I would recommend Ali highly.”
— G.K.
"I just want to thank you for all of your assistance and patience. This was unknown territory for me, and you helped me navigate perfectly.”
— K.
Stacy Munzenberger is the founder of Aqua Legal & Conveyancing — and she’s walked hundreds of families through the legal maze of probate with clarity, compassion, and zero legal fluff. S is also the kind of lawyer who makes you feel instantly at ease.
Clients often say working with Stacy and her team feels like having a smart, straight-talking friend in their corner — one who happens to know the legal system inside out. They listen, asks the right questions, and always puts people before process. Whether you’re overwhelmed, grieving, or just not sure where to start.
Stacy and her team brings calm to the chaos. Stacy has built a legal team that’s as human as it is experienced — and that’s what makes all the difference. When you work with Aqua Legal, you’re not just getting legal documents done. You’re getting a team that sees the person behind the paperwork — and genuinely cares about getting it right for you.
✔ Written by expert lawyers
✔ Walks you through the NSW probate process
✔ Includes step-by-step checklist
✔ Takes the guesswork (and stress) out of what comes next
Free NSW Probate Guide
Enter your details below to receive our comprehensive guide to navigating probate in NSW. Created by Stacy Munzenberger and the expert team at Aqua Legal & Conveyancing to support you during this difficult time.
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