Confirm the proposed executor role

Tell the office whether you are named in a will, have already begun administering the estate or are unsure who should act. Mention any other named executor and any disagreement about the appointment. Ask what the practitioner needs to assess the next step and relevant jurisdiction.

Keep the original will and related papers safe. Tell the lawyer about codicils, later-looking documents or uncertainty about the latest version. Do not alter, mark or discard an original to make the file look more organised.

List estate documents, assets and information gaps

List the assets, liabilities and institutions you know about, marking gaps clearly. Note interstate or overseas connections and any business interests. This is an initial information inventory, not a conclusion about which assets form part of the estate.

Gather correspondence already received from banks, insurers, superannuation funds or other organisations. Ask the lawyer which records are needed and whether any related financial or tax advice should be arranged. Do not assume every account follows the same process.

Separate estate administration from inheritance disputes

Explain any concerns about the will, a proposed claim or disagreement between people involved. Ask whether the practice can advise on both administration and a dispute, and whom it would represent. The interests of an executor and a beneficiary may need to be considered separately.

Keep a dated list of questions and communications without treating family agreement as a substitute for advice about required steps. If someone asks you to take an immediate action, describe the request and timing to the adviser.

Allocate executor tasks and discuss legal costs

Ask which tasks the lawyer would perform and which would remain with you. Clarify the proposed fee basis, outside expenses, expected reporting and how new issues affect the scope. An estimate for obtaining a grant may not cover every aspect of administering an estate.

Before the meeting ends, ask for a practical sequence of next steps appropriate to the circumstances. Record the documents to obtain, the responsible person and questions needing further advice. Avoid promising distribution dates based on a general online guide.