1. Get legal help

It's best to talk to an estates lawyer if you're thinking of applying to be an estate trustee. A lawyer can:

• explain what your duties will be and the legal risks
• help you apply
• help you manage the estate

You may especially want a lawyer's help if, for example:

• The estate is complex because the person who died owned property in more than one country or had a business.
• The beneficiaries do not agree on some issues and more than one person is claiming rights to the same property.
• The estate seems to have more debts than assets.

If you need professional help from an estates lawyer and or an accountant, their fees are usually paid from the estate if they're reasonable.

If your probate application is not successful, you're usually responsible for your own legal and accounting fees. For help finding an estates lawyer read, “Where can I get legal help with wills, powers of attorney, and managing an estate?” There's information on how to find free and lower cost options too.