Executor Handbook NSW | Useful Contacts in NSW
When you're managing an estate, you'll reach for these numbers and websites regularly. They're all free to contact (except where noted).
For a full walkthrough of estate administration tasks, see the executor's checklist. To understand the probate timeline and process, read understanding probate in NSW.
Government & Courts
Service NSW Phone: 13 77 88 Website: service.nsw.gov.au Everything from death registration to mail redirection to general NSW government services.
Births, Deaths & Marriages NSW Website: bdm.nsw.gov.au Where to order death certificates. Order at least six certified copies.
Australian Death Notification Service Website: deathnotification.gov.au Free online form to notify multiple government and financial institutions at once.
Supreme Court of NSW (Probate Division) Website: supremecourt.nsw.gov.au The court that issues Grants of Probate. Your solicitor handles filing, but you might want to track application status.
NSW Trustee and Guardian Phone: 1300 109 290 Website: tag.nsw.gov.au Can act as executor or administrator if needed. Also manages the Will Registry.
NSW Online Registry Website: nswonlineregistry.com.au Where Notice of Intention to apply for probate is published. Public record.
Taxation & Finance
ATO Deceased Estates Line Phone: 13 28 61 Website: ato.gov.au Tax questions specific to estate administration. Ask about final tax returns and capital gains implications.
Centrelink Bereavement Services Phone: 13 23 00 Website: servicesaustralia.gov.au Notify Centrelink of death and manage any overpayments or pensions.
JustFund (Estate Finance) Phone: 1300 644 980 Website: justfund.com.au Advance funds for probate costs if the estate's short on cash. Repayment deferred until distribution.
Legal Services
Law Society of NSW Phone: 02 9926 0333 Website: lawsociety.com.au Find a probate solicitor. The website has a search tool for accredited specialists.
Law Access NSW Phone: 1300 888 529 Website: lawaccess.nsw.gov.au Free legal information and referrals. Don't have the budget for a solicitor? Start here.
Property Services
NSW Land Registry Services Website: lrs.nsw.gov.au Title transfers and property records. Your solicitor usually handles this, but you can check property status here.
Service NSW (Property) Website: service.nsw.gov.au Vehicle registration transfers, council rating enquiries, strata and community titles information.
Real Estate Institute of NSW Website: reinsw.com.au Find an agent experienced with deceased estate sales.
Charities with Free Home Pickup in Sydney
These charities will pick up items from deceased estates for free (or pickup as part of their service).
Salvos Stores Phone: 13 72 58 Website: salvationarmy.org.au Furniture, clothing, household items.
Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) Phone: 13 18 12 Website: vinnies.org.au Furniture, clothing, household goods, books.
Red Cross Shops Phone: 1800 733 276 Website: redcross.org.au Furniture and household items.
Oz Harvest (Food) Website: ozharvest.org If the estate includes non-perishable food donations.
Support & Grief Services
Griefline Phone: 1300 845 745 Website: griefline.org.au Free confidential grief counselling. Grief doesn't stop while you're managing probate. See also our guidance on avoiding executor burnout and self-care.
Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14 Website: lifeline.org.au Crisis support and general mental health resources.
Beyond Blue Phone: 1300 224 636 Website: beyondblue.org.au Depression and anxiety support. Common during grief and estate administration stress.
Samaritans Phone: 1300 768 669 Free, confidential support for people in emotional distress.
Reference & Information
Australian Consumer Law Website: asic.gov.au (ASIC handles consumer law) Information on financial products, superannuation, investment scams (common in estates).
ASIC Unclaimed Money Website: asic.gov.au Search the National Unclaimed Money database. See if the deceased has funds held by financial institutions.
Australia Post Website: auspost.com.au Mail redirection ($75 for three months). Essential in the first few weeks.
Financial Institutions
Major Banks (all have bereavement services):
- Commonwealth Bank: 13 22 24
- Westpac: 13 20 32
- ANZ: 13 13 39
- NAB: 13 12 86
Notify all banks where the deceased held accounts. They'll freeze accounts once notified. This is normal and protects the estate.
Superannuation Providers
Contact each super fund where the deceased held accounts. Super doesn't automatically form part of the estate; it has its own claim process.
Common funds:
- AustralianSuper: 1300 924 933
- REST: 1300 300 311
- Industry Super (various funds): check the deceased's statement
Insurance Companies
Notify all insurers of the death:
- Life insurance
- Home and contents insurance
- Income protection insurance
- Landlord insurance
Have policy numbers ready.
Aegis Property Consultants
If the property side of the estate is becoming a bottleneck, or if clearing, repairs, stabilisation, or maintenance are needed:
Alex Bailey Phone: 0428 613 163 Email: info@aegispropertyconsultants.com.au
ABN: 93 845 812 438 Croydon NSW 2132
Services: Deceased estate clearing, property stabilisation, document recovery, vacant property maintenance, property preparation for sale or distribution.
Insurance: $2M Professional Indemnity, $20M Public Liability.
Quick Reference: When to Call
Ring this week (first week):
- Home insurer (unoccupied-property cover)
- Deceased's bank
- Superannuation fund
- Use Australian Death Notification Service
Ring this month (weeks 2-4):
- A probate solicitor
- Accountant (if estate is complex)
- Real estate agent (if selling property)
- Any professional valuers needed
Ring when needed:
- Griefline (if grief is overwhelming)
- Law Access NSW (if legal guidance is needed but budget is tight)
- Aegis (if property is becoming the bottleneck)
FAQ
Is there a phone tree I can use instead of calling separate numbers?
The Australian Death Notification Service (deathnotification.gov.au) notifies multiple organisations with one form. Service NSW (13 77 88) can point you to other services. But most key organisations need direct contact for account-specific information.
Are all these services free?
Most government services are free. Banks and super funds are free. Probate solicitors, accountants, and valuers charge fees (the estate pays). Charities are free. Support services are free.
What if I can't reach someone?
Most organisations have wait times. Call during business hours (9am-5pm weekdays). Leave a callback number. Many have online forms or email options that might be faster.
Can I use these contacts for legal advice?
No. Law Access NSW provides general information and referrals. A probate solicitor provides legal advice (and charges for it, but it's worth it).
Where do I report fraud or elder abuse?
Contact the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or the Office of the Advocate for Older Australians. If an institution is behaving unethically, report to the Financial Ombudsman Service (ombudsman.gov.au).
Summary
Bookmark this page. Print it. Keep it near your phone. You'll refer to it regularly over the next 6 to 12 months.
Most calls will be to:
- Service NSW (everything NSW government)
- Your probate solicitor (legal questions)
- Your accountant (tax and finance)
- The ATO (tax obligations)
- Banks and super funds (account management)
Everything else is as-needed.
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Open the immersive read of the full handbook
If you've worked through this handbook and you're now facing property clearing, repairs, or stabilisation, that's exactly what I do. Phone 0428 613 163 or email info@aegispropertyconsultants.com.au. I'm here to handle the operational side so you can focus on the legal and financial work.
Preserve, Protect & Maintain.