Technology and estate administration

There is no doubt that the business of law has had to take huge leaps in technology during Covid-19.

As a Wills & Estate Lawyer I have looked enviously at my colleagues who have been able to quickly move so much of their work to online.

For Estates, that has been a little bit more challengingly. Fortunately, the process of applying for probate after someone dies can now occur online via the Supreme Court — but it still requires a hard copy to be sent in the post which has sometimes been tricky during restrictions.

Once probate is granted, my job as an Estates lawyer is to assist the Executors in managing the Estate — obtaining the assets of the deceased person and then distributing them to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will.

Some of the steps required at that time are also more challenging during restrictions — such as the completion of bank forms and share transfer forms that can sometimes require signing in person.

Anecdotally it also seems there has been an increase in cyber-fraud as unscrupulous types see opportunities with the increased use of online processes. Before 2020, OFRM was one of the few firms of Estate lawyers that recognised the benefit to our clients of using technology to make administration of Estates swifter and easier for all. That meant that when Covid-19 impacted Australia, we already had the systems in place to prevent fraud — something that is highly relevant when funds need to be held and then distributed electronically to beneficiaries.

These are just some of the many reasons why you should not delay speaking with me regarding the administration of an Estate, it is critical that you get early advice regarding an Estate.

For more information you can book an online appointment with myself or call me on 03 5445 1063.