Deceased estates

Understanding Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration

Last updated: 3 Sep 2025
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A grant is a formal court document that gives a person (could be a family member, friend, executor named in the will, etc.) the authority to administer an estate. Whether you need a grant of probate or letters of administration depends on whether you are an executor named in a valid will.

Providing the relevant document to CSC will enable us to proceed with payment of our deceased member’s death benefit in accordance with the instructions provided by the named executor or administrator.

When you need to supply a grant of probate or letters of administration

CSC requires a grant of probate or letters of Administration where it is estimated that there will be $100,000 or more payable to an estate, either a grant of probate or letters of administration must be provided.

This is so that we can ensure CSC is able to pay the death benefit to the estate without unnecessary delay.

Grant of probate

CSC requires a grant of probate if there is a valid will and the amount to be paid is over $100,000.

Letters of administration

CSC requires letters of administration if there is no valid will and the amount to be paid is over $100,000.

How to apply

You may wish to seek independent legal advice for assistance with applying for a grant of probateor letters of administration.

For further information, we refer you to the relevant state or territory’s court website that will provide you with more information on this process. You will need to contact the court of the state or territory where the deceased held assets.

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