Frequently Asked Questions

Probate is a legal process confirming a will's validity and the executor's authority. In Victoria it is handled through the Supreme Court. Consult your solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Executors can usually take practical steps to secure and maintain a property before probate — such as removing perishables and basic tidying. Significant financial decisions may require probate first. Ask your solicitor.

No. We provide practical property assistance only. For probate and legal matters, consult a qualified solicitor.

Timelines vary depending on estate complexity. Simple estates may take several months; complex estates longer. Your solicitor can provide realistic expectations.

A grant of probate is a Supreme Court of Victoria document confirming a will is valid and authorising the executor to deal with estate assets. Your solicitor manages this process — we assist with practical property tasks alongside their advice.

Executors often secure vacant properties, remove perishables and arrange maintenance before probate is granted. Significant asset decisions may need to wait. Ask your solicitor what is appropriate for your estate.

We do not provide legal advice and do not require probate to discuss practical clearance or preparation work. Your solicitor can advise when formal authority is needed for specific decisions.

Common tasks include securing the home, maintaining insurance, sorting belongings, arranging clearance, coordinating trades and preparing for sale or settlement.

Yes. We regularly coordinate with solicitors and provide documentation of work completed at the property.

Yes. We provide photo updates, clear communication and can manage on-the-ground work while you remain informed from anywhere in Australia or overseas.

Not necessarily. Many executors delegate practical work to us with agreed instructions. Presence is welcome but not required.

Typical steps include securing the home, maintaining insurance, photographing rooms, sorting belongings, arranging clearance, coordinating trades and preparing for sale or settlement. We can help with on-the-ground tasks.

Clear written updates about what is being kept, donated or removed reduce misunderstandings. We document work completed and can share progress photos for interstate executors.

Yes. Executors often appoint practical assistance for clearance and preparation while they manage legal and financial matters with their solicitor.

Small units may take one to two days. Average homes three to five days. Large properties with gardens and sheds can take one to two weeks or more.

Yes. We often schedule phased clearance when families need time to sort sentimental items or when probate timelines require staged progress.

Start times depend on current scheduling. Urgent situations are accommodated where possible — contact us to discuss your timeline.

Yes. We regularly coordinate with agents to ensure properties are ready before marketing photography and open inspections.

A small unit may take one to two days; an average home three to five days; larger properties with sheds and gardens one to two weeks. Sorting time and access affect schedules.

Yes. We regularly work backward from agent photography and auction dates to ensure the property is ready on time.

Undecided belongings, limited family availability, access issues and waiting on legal direction are common causes. Early planning reduces last-minute pressure.

Yes. We offer obligation-free quotes after an initial discussion and property assessment.

Property size, contents volume, access difficulty, disposal fees, donation coordination and optional services such as garden work or repairs all influence cost.

Fixed-price quotes are available for well-defined scopes. Larger or complex projects may use staged quoting as the full scope becomes clear.

Initial phone discussions are free. Property visits for quoting are also obligation-free.

Quotes reflect property size, contents volume, disposal fees, donation coordination and optional cleaning or garden work. We provide written, obligation-free quotes after assessment.

Yes. Phased clearance spreads cost and gives families more time to sort sentimental items. Each stage is quoted clearly.

Yes. Usable furniture, clothing and homewares can be set aside for charity collection or drop-off.

We coordinate with organisations such as Vinnies, Salvos and local op shops depending on item type and location.

Receipts are issued by the receiving charity where applicable. We document items directed to donation for your records.

Damaged, stained, broken or unsafe items generally cannot be accepted by charities and are disposed of responsibly instead.

Items suitable for charity are separated from rubbish, documented and collected or dropped off. We work to your instructions and keep records for the executor.

Family and beneficiaries should agree on donation categories before bulk clearance. We pause on sentimental or listed items until decisions are confirmed.

We remove household rubbish, furniture, green waste and general clutter. Hazardous materials require special handling and are assessed separately.

Yes. We manage disposal including council hard rubbish where applicable and private disposal for items councils won't collect.

Yes. Garages, sheds, roof spaces and outdoor areas are commonly included in estate clearance scope.

We recycle where possible and dispose of remaining waste responsibly at licensed facilities.

Items identified as sentimental are set aside, labelled and stored safely. Nothing is disposed of without explicit approval.

Yes. Many families handle personal items themselves and engage us for bulk removal of cleared items.

Photographs and documents are set aside for family review. Important documents should be forwarded to the estate solicitor.

Yes. We help sort belongings into keep, donate and remove categories according to your instructions.

Yes. Our team handles heavy furniture including pianos, wall units and large sofas using appropriate equipment.

Family or executors may arrange private sale or auction for valuable pieces. We clear remaining items once decisions are made.

Yes. We use protective measures to avoid damage to floors, walls and doorways during removal.

Usable furniture in good condition is often suitable for charity donation. We coordinate collection where possible.

Practical removal of unwanted furniture is common once executors confirm authority and beneficiary wishes. Valuable or disputed pieces should be discussed with your solicitor before removal.

Yes. Usable furniture in good condition can be set aside for charity collection. We coordinate with local organisations where items meet their acceptance criteria.

Yes. Deep cleaning can be included as part of estate clean-up or property preparation services.

Yes. Removing perishables is one of the first practical tasks we address to prevent odours and pests.

We coordinate carpet cleaning as part of property preparation. Specific services are quoted based on property needs.

Yes. Cleared areas are left tidy and broom-clean as standard. Deep cleaning is available as an add-on.

Deep cleaning can be included in estate clean-up or sale preparation quotes. Scope is agreed upfront so executors know what is covered.

Yes. We can refresh kitchens, bathrooms and living areas so the home is comfortable for family visits or agent inspections.

Yes. We clear, clean and present properties to agent specifications before marketing photography.

Yes. Agents regularly refer deceased estate properties to us for clearance and preparation.

Presentation typically includes clearance, cleaning, garden tidying and minor touch-ups so the property shows well to buyers.

Yes. We coordinate handypeople and trades for minor repairs as part of property preparation.

Agents typically want cleared, clean, decluttered interiors and tidy gardens. Minor repairs and good natural light help presentation. We coordinate to agent briefs.

Yes. We often receive preparation briefs from agents and confirm scope with executors before work begins.

Yes. Lawn mowing, hedge trimming and outdoor tidying are commonly combined with indoor clearance before marketing.

Yes. We provide ongoing maintenance including garden care, mail collection support and periodic checks while a property is vacant.

Yes. Regular lawn mowing and garden tidying prevents properties from appearing neglected during the estate administration period.

Yes. Scheduled visits can confirm the property remains secure and well-maintained between clearance and sale.

Yes. Urgent outdoor clean-up after storms can be arranged as part of estate maintenance services.

Vacant homes can attract pests, overgrown gardens affect insurance and presentation, and mail accumulation signals neglect. Periodic maintenance protects the asset.

Yes. Scheduled lawn care, garden tidying and property checks are available between clearance and sale or settlement.

Yes. Overgrown lawns, hedges and garden beds are commonly addressed during estate garden clean-ups.

Yes. Green waste is removed and disposed of responsibly as part of garden clean-up scope.

Light tree trimming and branch removal is available. Larger tree removal is assessed separately.

Yes. Combined quotes for indoor clearance and outdoor garden work are efficient and commonly requested.

Yes. We coordinate handypeople for tasks such as fence repairs, tap fixes and touch-up painting.

Yes. Coordinating trades and services is a core part of our executor assistance and property preparation work.

We can be on site to provide access and oversee work when executors cannot attend personally.

Minor repairs may be included in a broader preparation quote or itemised separately depending on scope.