Below is information you may require if you are appointed the Executor of a person’s Estate. Please feel free to print or copy any of the documents below, or just use them as a guide.
After someone dies, the deceased’s estate is frozen. Power of Attorney also ceases and the Executor is responsible for carrying out the deceased’s wishes.
William Barrett and Sons will complete and submit all legal documents required but a family member or friend will be required to supply personal information and sign some forms. We liaise with the deceased’s usual doctor to obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and associated forms. If the Coroner is involved following a death, arrangements for the funeral may be delayed until the body is released into our care. The Coroner is only involved in reportable deaths. The main aim of a Coronial Inquiry is to ascertain the cause of death.
William Barrett and Sons is responsible for registering deaths with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Most of the information required can be found on Birth and Marriage Certificates. A Death Certificate is required by the Executor to apply for probate, enact the Will and to officially notify organisations of the death. The death certificate is sent to the authorised recipient 7-10 days after the funeral.
The Executor is also responsible for contacting various institutions to inform them of the death. William Barrett and Sons will contact some of them on your behalf and can assist you in contacting the remainder.
For further information on managing Deceased’s Estates, visit www.justice.wa.gov.au
Download a list of the organisations you may need to contact.