Executor Handbook NSW | A Note Before You Begin
If you're reading this, something hard has just happened. You've lost someone, and you've been named executor of their estate. My condolences. It's a demanding combination: grief, legal responsibility, and a list of things people expect you to do almost immediately.
I wrote this handbook because I've sat at too many kitchen tables with families who didn't know where to start. Paperwork in one pile. Keys in another. A house full of a lifetime. No plan. I also wrote it because I've been that person sitting at that table, unsure of what to do next.
This is a practical guide for people in your situation. It covers what to do first, what can wait, and what to watch for. It's designed to work alongside the advice of your solicitor, because at the end of the day, they're the legal experts. But this handbook is yours either way. No gates. No email required. Download it, share it, print it.
Take your time. Tick things off when you're ready. Nothing in here has to happen today.
Who This Handbook Is For
You're in your 50s or 60s with your own life and work. Someone's died. They've left you as executor. You've got legal responsibility and absolutely no idea where to start. Or you're managing a deceased estate where the family is split across the country, and you're the one stuck coordinating everything. Maybe you're a co-executor trying to figure out who does what. Maybe you've got concerns about whether you're handling things correctly and you want a checklist and a clear roadmap.
This handbook is designed for all of those situations. The chapters work best read in order, but you can jump to whatever section is most relevant to your situation right now.
What's Inside
The handbook covers the first two weeks after death, the NSW probate timeline and process, how to locate and value assets, managing the property during probate, how to handle the contents of the house, selling or transferring the property to beneficiaries, common mistakes executors make, and a practical checklist you can print and work through.
Each section is built around the sequence of events most estates follow. But every estate is different. Use what's relevant. Skip what isn't.
The Emotional Side
Managing an estate isn't just logistical. You're grieving too. You're making decisions about someone's possessions while also trying to process their loss. Family disagreements come up. Sentimental items cause fights that money never would. You'll second-guess yourself. That's normal.
Take breaks. Delegate where you can. If the property side becomes overwhelming, that's what professionals are for. There's no shame in bringing in someone who does this work for a living.
A Note on Executor vs. Trustee
An executor is the person appointed in a will to carry out the instructions left by someone who's passed away. Their primary job is to settle the deceased person's affairs and distribute what's left to the beneficiaries.
A trustee is a person or entity responsible for holding and managing assets on behalf of someone else, according to rules set out in a trust document. An executor is the project manager who clears the deck and closes out a person's affairs. A trustee is the caretaker who looks after assets for beneficiaries over a longer period. This handbook focuses on being an executor.
How to Use This Handbook
Start with the checklist. Print it. It's your roadmap. Work through it sequentially. Cross things off as you go.
Read the sections relevant to your situation. You don't need to read everything. If the estate is simple and doesn't involve property, skip the property sections. If you're managing a large acreage, focus on that section.
Reference the document recovery section early. Do a systematic search of the property for critical documents before clearing or selling. It'll save time and prevent regrets later.
The legal sections exist so you understand probate. You don't need to memorise them. Use them to understand the timeline, what your solicitor should be doing, and when things are taking longer than they should.
If the property becomes a problem, read the relevant property section and then call. If the clearing is overwhelming. If the property's in bad condition. If you don't know whether to sell it as-is or clear first. There's no shame in bringing in someone who manages this for a living.
FAQ
Who is this handbook for?
NSW executors managing a deceased estate. It covers legal responsibilities, property management, asset location, and the probate timeline. If you're executor of a NSW estate, this is for you.
Do I have to read it in order?
No. The chapters are structured to follow the sequence most estates take, but you can jump to whatever section is relevant right now.
Can I share this with family?
Yes. Download it, print it, share it with co-executors, beneficiaries, whoever's involved. It's free and ungated.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is a practical guide built on NSW law and estate administration best practice. Get a solicitor for legal advice. This handbook helps you understand the process and know what questions to ask.
How current is the NSW information?
Current as of 2026. NSW probate law and procedures are stable, but always verify current timelines and requirements with the Supreme Court of NSW or your solicitor, as processes can change.
What if my situation is complicated?
The handbook covers most common situations. If your estate is unusual (multi-state properties, multiple wills, complex asset mix, family disputes), you'll need a solicitor. This handbook helps you understand what to ask them for.
Next: The First Two Weeks
Most things can wait. A few can't. Read what to handle in the first fortnight.
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If you have questions about managing the property side of an estate, I'm happy to discuss your situation. No obligation. Phone 0428 613 163 or email info@aegispropertyconsultants.com.au.
Preserve, Protect & Maintain.