Who to contact for Wills, Estates & Probate in Queensland?

Dealing with a deceased estate or planning for your own succession involves interacting with several legal and government bodies. Below is a directory of the key contacts for Wills, Estates, and Probate matters in Queensland.

1. Bell & Senior Lawyers

Whether you are drafting a Will, applying for Probate, or need to contest an unfair estate distribution, experienced legal advice is essential to avoid costly mistakes.

• Phone: (07) 5532 8777
• What we do: Drafting complex Wills and Testamentary Trusts, Enduring Powers of Attorney, applying for Grants of Probate in the Supreme Court, and litigating Family Provision Applications.
• Location: Gold Coast, Queensland

2. Supreme Court of Queensland (Probate Registry)

The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the granting of Probate (validating a Will) and Letters of Administration (when someone dies without a Will) in Queensland.

• Website: courts.qld.gov.au/services/wills-and-probate
• When to call: You generally interact with the Supreme Court through your lawyer when filing probate documents.

3. Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)

QCAT handles guardianship and administration matters. If a family member loses decision-making capacity (e.g., due to dementia) and they do not have an Enduring Power of Attorney, you must apply to QCAT to be appointed as their guardian.

• Phone: 1300 753 228
• Website: qcat.qld.gov.au
• When to call: For information regarding guardianship applications or adult capacity hearings.

4. Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM)

When someone passes away, their death must be officially registered. You cannot apply for Probate or administer an estate without the official Death Certificate from the RBDM.

• Phone: 13 74 68
• Website: qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces
• When to call: Typically, the funeral director registers the death and orders the certificate on behalf of the family. If you need a replacement copy, you apply here.

5. Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

The OPG protects the rights and interests of adults who have an impaired capacity to make their own decisions.

• Phone: 1300 653 187
• Website: publicguardian.qld.gov.au
• When to call: To report the suspected financial abuse or neglect of an elderly person, or an attorney misusing an Enduring Power of Attorney document.

Need professional estate advice on the Gold Coast? Let our experienced Wills & Estates team handle the paperwork. Contact Bell & Senior Lawyers today .