What are the first practical steps to take after a family member dies in Australia?

The first practical steps are to register the death (usually handled by the funeral director), locate the will, and notify banks and other institutions where the deceased held accounts. There’s no immediate rush to apply for probate, as estate administration in Australia typically takes months, not days.

Register the death and obtain a death certificate

The first step is registering the death with the registry of births, deaths, and marriages in your state. Usually, your funeral director will handle this registration for you as part of their service. However, don’t expect the death certificate immediately — it typically takes 2 to 6 weeks after the registry has received all the necessary information, which is usually after the funeral has taken place.

Once the death certificate arrives, you’ll need to order multiple certified copies. You’ll need these to present to banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and other institutions. These organisations won’t accept photocopies, so having several certified copies on hand is essential.

Locate the will and notify key organisations

After registering the death, locate your loved one’s will. If you can’t find it, check with their solicitor or search the National Will Register (if one exists in your state). Once found, it’s time to notify the relevant institutions — banks, insurance companies, superannuation funds, and other financial organisations where the deceased held accounts or assets.

Don’t rush the probate application

Here’s the good news: there’s no immediate rush to apply for a grant of probate (the legal document giving you authority to administer the estate). In most cases, estate administration takes months, not days. This gives you time to gather documents, notify institutions, and understand what assets and liabilities exist before you begin the formal probate process.

The key is taking things one step at a time. If you’re unsure about any stage, seeking guidance from a legal professional can save time and prevent costly mistakes later. Willed can help you navigate each step with confidence.