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Deceased Estates
Deceased estates is an area of law that can cause a lot of confusion, especially in times of heightened stress or grief. What’s more, these are matters that should be managed within specific time limits, so you should seek legal support as soon as possible. With extensive experience in this area, our team are specialists at navigating these situations with sensitivity and efficiency.
Meet the team
Phil Testa
Barrister & Solicitor
Phil Testa was admitted to practice in 2002 after completing a double degree in Arts and Law at Adelaide University. He has considerable experience in general legal …
- Family Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Civil Disputes & Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Wills and Estates
Learn more about Phil
Lauraine (Lauri) Evans
Barrister & Solicitor
Lauraine (Lauri) Evans was admitted to practice in 2005 after completing a degree in Law at The University of New England. She was a Police Officer for over twenty years …
- Criminal & Police
- Traffic Law
- Wills and Estates
Learn more about Lauri
have built their reputation on being accessible to their clients who instruct them in relation to a wide range of legal issues.
Phil Testa was incredible! He assisted me with an urgent matter he was efficient and capable all whilst performing thorough and accurate work! Would highly recommend he and his team are by far the best I have ever worked with. Honest and quick are rarity within the legal field. A true gem!
Flavio ScoteceI was extremely pleased with the professional and no-nonsense approach displayed by Phil in the handling of my case. The matter was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I would recommend Phil to anyone that has a difficult problem to handle and will definitely go back to him if required in the future.
William CornellI can't recommend Evans Testa Barristers & Solicitors enough should you ever find yourself in a position of needing a lawyer for your own circumstance. Lauraine is phenomenal in how she handles herself - from explaining the situation objectively from multiple perspectives to detailing potential outcomes and various options available.
Matt Russell
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What is a deceased estate?
A deceased estate is everything a person owned and owed when they died including property, money, personal items and debts.How is a deceased estate administered?
If the deceased left a Will, an Executor administers the estate. In some instances, a Grant of Probate may be required.
If the deceased left no Will, an Administrator administers the estate. An administrator needs to meet certain criteria before applying for Letters of Administration.
If Probate or Letters of Administration is required, what is the cost?
The filing fee is payable to the State of SA and is not negotiable.
The fee is on a sliding scale depending on the value of the estate.
All legal fees incurred are paid by the Estate from its assets.
Can someone contest a Will in South Australia?
Yes, someone with standing may challenge the provisions of a Will if they believe:
- They were left without adequate provision, or
- The Will is invalid (for reasons such as undue influence, lack of capacity, improper signing)
- Strict time limits apply to contest an estate, usually within 6 months of the Grant of Probate.
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