No will?
There is still a clear path.
When someone dies without a valid will, or the executor cannot act, a family member applies for letters of administration. We prepare the application and explain how the estate is divided.
Client reviews
In our clients’ own words.
Been dealing with Dinesh, Pallavee and his staff for over 10 years, more than 20 properties settled through them. The amount of expertise Joshi Lawyers has is next to none… every question answered and every transaction handled in the most professional way.
Ankur AnandProperty investor · Google review, 2018 We engaged Joshi Lawyers for a business purchase and found them to be very professional, dedicated and helpful. Dinesh has a significant degree of knowledge in business and commercial law matters. We were advised about everything in detail and kept informed about our matter’s progress at each stage.
Anqi HuangBusiness purchase · Google review, 2017 The best family lawyers I have ever known. Great service, pragmatic, non-judgmental approach. Prompt communication with an amazing team who have a detailed approach and understanding.
N. S.Family law client · Google review, 2024 Made a complex process simple. I received pro-active phone calls and emails letting me know about timeframes and deadlines… Everything was completed remotely and so easy, as well as regular communication which far exceeded my expectations.
Dhaval PatelHome buyer · Google review, 2020 Our first experience in Australia using any lawyer. All advice given was very fair and to the point. It was them who suggested the statutory demand process, which we used for a speedy recovery, and it worked.
GNS Group AustraliaDebt recovery · Google review, 2023 They truly work on the root cause of the problem and understand your case so precisely that no further worry is required. They take the entire burden off my shoulders… professional, direct and highly efficient.
A. N.Parenting matter · Google review, 2025 I’ve used Joshi Lawyers a few times now and have always had a good experience with them. The communication and service from their team throughout the entire process from start to finish is great, and they are cost-effective, too.
Ian HProperty and conveyancing client · Google review, 2019 Dinesh solved my dispute in 4 months where the other lawyer I had prior took 12 months giving me no foresight on my case. Dinesh has a clear foresight in his cases and closes all objections with ease and makes you aware of your standing.
Dheeraj WadhwaniBusiness dispute · Google review, 2018 They set the right expectation and provided sound legal advice. I engaged them for my separation, which involved property and children and was a very emotional one for me. I will highly recommend them, especially for someone new to legal proceedings.
A. K.Separation, property and parenting · Google review, 2024 We bought our first commercial property and Dinesh looked after our file… sent us all information three days prior with all calculations, and kept us posted with all changes on the settlement date. A hassle-free experience.
Ravneet KaurCommercial property buyer · Google review, 2020 From business settlements to my recent land settlement, they have never failed to impress me. Thank you Dinesh and your team for taking the stress from us and dealing with all sorts of issues and disputes very professionally.
Aarti AroraBusiness owner and investor · Google review, 2017 Pallavee was empathetic, supportive and professional throughout the process. I could tell the firm had my best interest in mind.
K. K.Family law client · Google review, 2021 The process went smooth with no stress, communication was easy and we were kept informed throughout the process. We can’t recommend them enough and we will definitely be using their services for future settlements.
Dureka HomesBuilder · Google review, 2019 I am with them for the past 5 years for several land purchases. In all instances they have provided great service to me… taking ownership and providing extra-mile service.
Sumita MukherjeeLand investor · Google review, 2019
Is this you?
When people come to us about letters of administration.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- Your parent died without a will.
- The will cannot be found.
- The executor named in the will has died or will not act.
- You are not sure who is entitled to the estate.
How we help
Without a will, the law decides who inherits.
If there is no valid will, the estate is divided under the intestacy rules in the Administration and Probate Act. A partner and children usually share first, then other relatives in a set order. A person with priority, usually the partner or next of kin, applies for letters of administration.
Where there is a will but no executor able to act, the application is for letters of administration with the will attached. We prepare the application and guide the administrator through the estate.
What we do
- Advice on who is entitled to apply
- Searches for a will
- Letters of administration applications
- Applications with the will attached
- Distribution under the intestacy rules
- Estate administration after the grant
What happens first
Your first week with us.
A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.
The first call: where things stand
Who has died, whether there is a will, what the estate holds, and any date that cannot be missed.
In writing: the steps and an estimate
What needs to happen, in what order, and what each stage will cost, before any work is done.
The first steps: the estate protected
Time limits diarised, assets secured and the people who need to know told, so nothing is lost while the estate is sorted out.
From then on: one lawyer, who answers
One lawyer runs the matter from start to finish, and keeps the executor and the family told.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
Who inherits if there is no will?
Usually the partner and children first, then parents, siblings and other relatives in the order the law sets. We confirm who is entitled in your case.
Who can apply for letters of administration?
Usually the person with the greatest entitlement, often the surviving partner or a child. Others can apply with their consent.
What does it cost?
Wills and powers of attorney made online have a fixed price, shown before you pay. Probate, estate administration and estate disputes are quoted in writing before the work starts, and you are told early if anything changes.
More in probate and administration
View all wills and estates- ProbateApplications for a grant of probate in the Supreme Court of Victoria, prepared and filed for executors.Read more
- Estate administrationThe whole estate administered for executors, from collecting assets and paying debts to final distribution.Read more
- Advice for executorsAdvice for executors on their duties and risks, and Joshi Lawyers as executor when you prefer a professional.Read more
- Tax on deceased estatesFinal returns, estate returns and capital gains tax on inherited assets, worked through with the estate’s accountant.Read more
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.