on 01-01-2015 06:26 PM
I know Wills have to be lodged for probate with the Probate Office,
but does anyone in authority actually check that things are carried out
in accordance with that person's wishes?
The Will is made public property once it's lodged, but if no-one looks
at it, can the executor get away with doing whatever they want?
And if they get found out later, what happens?
Anyone?
BTW I'm not an executrix ATM, just curious............
Solved! Go to Solution.
on 01-01-2015 08:02 PM
imastawka theoretically an executor can pretty much get away with whatever they like.
I think the idea of probate is that it advertised on the supreme court website so that people who think they may have a claim on the estate know about it. Once probate is granted the executors (or solicitor) can go about getting everything in order according to the will and liquidating assets. There is still 6 months from the date of probate in which people are able to contest the will but it is up to them to come forward in that time.
If the executors distribute the estate prior to the 6 months they run the risk of being sued.
So nobody actually checks on what the executors are doing unless the beneficiaries don't trust them, I guess its recommended that the maker of a will gives the beneficiaries a copy so they know whats what.
on 02-01-2015 09:08 AM
A solicitor does not have my will. Too much $$$ involved. My executors will act by themselves, they don't need a solicitor. Same reason.
But everyone should do what is best for them and their family.
on 01-01-2015 06:39 PM
When my mother died it was her solicitor who handled the probating of the will and it was his responsibility to make sure it was done properly.
on 01-01-2015 07:14 PM
Why do wills have to be lodged anywhere?
Can you give details of that?
on 01-01-2015 07:17 PM
You have to lodge a Will with the Probate Office or you can't
access bank accounts, superannuation, or sell property etc
http://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/home/forms+fees+and+services/wills+and+probate/
on 01-01-2015 07:26 PM
@imastawka wrote:You have to lodge a Will with the Probate Office or you can't
access bank accounts, superannuation, or sell property etc
http://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/home/forms+fees+and+services/wills+and+probate/
After the person dies? What happens then? Do they get some sort of a document giving them the extra powers then?
My executors can access my bank accounts now, because they have an EPA.
I thought I had done everything, now I am learning something else.
Thank you.
on 01-01-2015 07:30 PM
After my father passed away his solicitor handled everything.
01-01-2015 07:31 PM - edited 01-01-2015 07:32 PM
An EPA is not a Will. Who are you leaving your money and
personal property to?
on 01-01-2015 07:36 PM
@polksaladallie wrote:
@imastawka wrote:You have to lodge a Will with the Probate Office or you can't
access bank accounts, superannuation, or sell property etc
http://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/home/forms+fees+and+services/wills+and+probate/
After the person dies? What happens then? Do they get some sort of a document giving them the extra powers then?
My executors can access my bank accounts now, because they have an EPA.
I thought I had done everything, now I am learning something else.
Thank you.
Its my understanding that the EPA becomes nul and void on your death.
on 01-01-2015 07:41 PM
Quite right, grandmoon
on 01-01-2015 07:42 PM
@imastawka wrote:I know Wills have to be lodged for probate with the Probate Office,
but does anyone in authority actually check that things are carried out
in accordance with that person's wishes?
The Will is made public property once it's lodged, but if no-one looks
at it, can the executor get away with doing whatever they want?
And if they get found out later, what happens?
Anyone?
BTW I'm not an executrix ATM, just curious............
Although my wife and I are executors for her mother, who had the prescence of mind to allow us, now that she's suffering dementia, we are the controlling body, but as there's been a falling out with family in years gone by, they are still able to contest, should they wish to do so - so we've been advised to retain a solicitor in the event of her death, to ensure her wishes are met.
This will ensure parity between all parties.