Mandurah Probate Centre – What is Probate
The Supreme Court deals with all matters involving wills and the administration of deceased estates. This includes appointing a person to deal with a deceased person's assets following death. The Court does so by making a grant.
A grant is an order by the Court, which is a legal document that provides the executor or administrator the authority to deal with the deceased person’s property. Banks, Landgate, super funds, and share registries will usually ask to see the grant before they release any assets.
To obtain this authority, the executor or administrator must apply to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, or any other State, where the assets are located.
At Mandurah Probate Centre, we prepare the appropriate grant application based on your individual circumstances and guide you through each step of the process.
Speak with Mandurah Probate Centre
If you need help with probate, intestacy, or estate administration in Mandurah, we are here to support you. We make the process simple, transparent, and manageable — so you can focus on what matters most.
Our Services
Grant of Probate
A Grant of Probate is required when the deceased left a valid will and named an executor. Probate confirms the will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to manage the estate.
Letters of Administration
If a person dies without a will (intestate), or if the named executor cannot act, the grant sought is Letters of Administration.
A grant of Letters of Administration allows the administrator to administer the estate according to WA intestacy laws.
Reseal of a Grant
A reseal is needed when a grant of probate or administration was issued in another Australian State or certain overseas countries, and you now need to deal with assets located in Western Australia.
Estate Administration
At Mandurah Probate Centre, we assist executors, administrators, and next of kin through the legal process of obtaining a grant and can further assist with the estate administration so the estate is distributed in accordance with the law.
Limited and Special Grants
Sometimes a limited or special grant is required instead of a full Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration such as when an administrator or executor lacks mental capacity, under legal age, or when there is a specific issue that must be resolved before a full grant can be made.
Inheritance Disputes
When a loved one passes, disputes over their estate can add stress to an already difficult time. At Mandurah Probate Centre, we provide clear, strategic advice in resolving estate-related conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
What does a probate lawyer at Mandurah Probate Centre actually do?
A probate lawyer in Mandurah helps executors, administrators and families manage the legal process after someone passes away. At Mandurah Probate Centre, we prepare Supreme Court grant applications, guide executors through their duties, communicate with banks and institutions.
Do I need a probate lawyer if the estate is small?
Even small estates can require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, especially if banks, super funds, or Landgate request formal authority. A probate lawyer in Mandurah can quickly assess whether a grant is required.
How long does probate take in Western Australia?
Most Grants of Probate in WA are issued within 4–8 weeks once the application is filed.
What’s the difference between Probate and Letters of Administration?
Probate is issued when there is a valid will and an executor.
Letters of Administration is issued when there is no will or no executor available.
Letters of Administration with the will annexed is issued when there is a valid will and no executor that is able to act.
All give legal authority to manage the estate. A probate lawyer in Mandurah can help you determine which one you need.
Can Mandurah Probate Centre help if there is no will?
Yes. We regularly assist families with intestacy matters. We prepare the application for Letters of Administration, identify the correct applicant, and we can assist the administrator with the administration and distribution of the estate according to WA intestacy laws.
How much does probate cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of the estate and the type of grant required. Mandurah Probate Centre offers clear, fixed‑fee options for most probate and administration matters, so you know exactly what to expect from the start.
There is also a Supreme Court lodgement fee of $408 (current as at 1 July 2025)
What documents do I need for probate in WA?
You will usually need the original will, original codicil (if any), the death certificate and a list of assets and liabilities, as at the date of death.
Can I apply for probate myself?
Yes, the Supreme Court has a tool on its website to assist with simple grants through its Probate Wizard, but many people choose a probate lawyer to assist them. Mandurah Probate Centre handles the entire process for you, making it simple and efficient.
How do I know if probate is required?
Probate is usually required when the estate includes real estate, significant bank accounts, shares, or superannuation paid to the estate. We can review the assets and advise you quickly whether a grant is necessary.
Why choose Mandurah Probate Centre?
We are a local, dedicated probate service for Mandurah and the Peel region. Clients choose us for our fixed fees, clear communication, fast turnaround, and compassionate support during a difficult time. Our focus is making the process as smooth and stress‑free as possible.
I applied for probate myself and received a requisition — what do I do now?
A requisition means the Supreme Court needs more information or corrections before it can issue your grant. This is extremely common. If you’ve received a requisition, Mandurah Probate Centre can review your application, identify the exact issues, prepare the correct responses, and lodge the response within the relevant timeframe on your behalf.
What if I can only find a copy of the will?
If the original will is not able to be found, you should first search thoroughly and check with family, the lawyer who prepared the will, and their bank. If the original still can’t be located, you may still be able to apply for probate using the copy, but the Court will need extra information and enquiry explaining why the original is missing. Mandurah Probate Centre can advise you in respect to a lost will and if advised, help prepare the required documents and guide you through the process.
What if I need a reseal of probate?
A reseal is needed when a grant of probate or administration was issued in another Australian State or certain overseas countries, and you now need to deal with assets located in Western Australia. The Supreme Court of WA must “reseal” the original grant so it becomes legally recognised here. At Mandurah Probate Centre, we help you work out whether a reseal is required, prepare the application, and assist and advise you in respect to the process so you can access and transfer the WA assets.
Can an informal or handwritten document be treated as a will?
Yes. A will does not need to be professionally drafted to meet the formal requirements for Probate. However, if the document does not meet the formal requirements, the Supreme Court can accept an informal will — including handwritten notes, drafts, or unsigned documents — if it clearly shows the person’s intentions. These applications are more complex, but we regularly assist families in Mandurah with advice in respect to informal wills.
Do you always need a grant?
Not always. Some asset holders will release modest amounts without a grant if next‑of‑kin can be identified. However, a grant is usually required when the estate includes:
- Real property
- Significant bank accounts
- Shares or managed funds
- Aged‑care accommodation bonds (typically referred to as a RAD)
- Superannuation paid to the estate