A grant of representation is a Supreme Court issued document that recognises someone’s authority to administer a deceased estate. The two main types of Grants of Representation that can be applied for in the Supreme Court is a Grant of Probate and Grant of Letters of Administration.

The most important distinction between the two is that Grant of Probate is usually applied for in circumstances where an executor has been appointed by the deceased’s Last Will whereas Grant of Letters of Administration is generally applied for by a person who has not been appointed by the deceased’s Last Will.

Where there is a need for a personal representative to prove formally his or her title to any assets, production of the grant is necessary. Financial institutions or superannuation trustees may insist on seeing a Grant of Representation to protect themselves upon payment of the funds held. Aged Care Providers may also require a Grant before releasing a resident’s Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD).

For personalised legal assistance on estate matters in the Cairns, Innisfail and Gordonvale areas, email us at [email protected] or call us on 0740635 900.