1. Report the death and prepare the reporting pack
Start with the basic estate identity, then assemble the documents the Master will need to open the file.
Reporting stage
Ask the user
- Is there a will?
- Who is the nominated executor?
- Has the death been reported already?
- Is the estate large or small?
- Are there minor heirs or dependants?
Reporting pack
- Death certificate
- Death notice
- Next-of-kin / family details
- ID copies
- Will and codicils if any
Will / no will
Executor identified
Master’s Office ready
2. Covering letter and lodgement proof
The user should be told exactly what the estate is being lodged for, what is attached, and how to keep proof of application.
Proof step
Covering letter should say
- What is being applied for
- Which documents are attached
- Who the deceased is
- Who the applicant is
- Contact details and estate reference
Proof of application
- Print two copies
- Lodge one copy
- Keep one stamped copy
- Track office / queue / appointment
Self-help tip
If the Master’s Office stamps a copy of the covering letter, that stamped copy becomes the user’s proof of application.
3. Route selector: letters of executorship or authority
Branch the workflow according to whether the estate requires full executorship or a simpler authority route.
Branch point
Executor route
Letter of Executorship
Small estate route
Letter of Authority
Master’s Office file
Open / Pending
Branch logic
Let the engine choose the correct route and then show the user the exact forms and documents that must be completed for that path.
5. Administration and bank account
Once the letters are issued, the estate must be managed in a separate estate bank account and all assets and liabilities must be captured.
What to do next
- Open the estate late bank account
- Collect valuations
- List all debts and creditors
- Gather receipts and proof of payments
What the page should show
- Bank account status
- Assets captured
- Liabilities captured
- Executor action pending
6. Advertising, creditor claims, and L&D account
The module should guide the user through advertisement, waiting periods, creditor claims, and the drafting of the Liquidation and Distribution account.
Important
Sequence
- Advertise for creditors
- Wait for claims
- Capture objections or queries
- Draft the L&D account
- Lodge the L&D with the Master
Inspection and objections
- 21-day inspection period
- Track objections
- Respond to Master queries
- Update the file before distribution
Drafting support
Advome should be able to explain what goes into the L&D account and, later, fill in the data from the user’s answers.
7. Final distribution and closure
After inspection and objection periods, the estate can move toward distribution and final closure.
What remains
- Distribution according to will or law
- Transfer of assets
- Settlement of creditors
- Final estate closure
What the page should show
- Distribution ready
- Outstanding objections
- Master’s approval status
- File closure status
8. Future permissions
Leave this as a future enhancement rather than a blocker.
Attorney access option
If a client selects an attorney, the attorney can later be given access only to the matters and workflow the client explicitly shares.
9. Questions panel
The user should be able to ask what to do next at reporting, lodgement, administration, or finalisation.
Help panel
What goes into the covering letter?
Say what you are applying for, list the attachments, and keep a stamped copy for proof of lodgement.
What if the Master asks for more documents?
The dashboard should mark the estate as incomplete and show exactly what still needs to be added.
How do I know if I need executorship or authority?
The engine should branch the user based on the estate route, the will, and the size or complexity of the estate.
What happens after the L&D account is lodged?
The system should track inspection, objections, distribution, and final closure of the estate file.