History to Alex Gow Funerals

The history of Alex Gow Funerals dates back to the establishment of Queensland’s first funeral business in 1840 by Andrew Petrie, Clerk of Works in the penal colony of Moreton Bay. Between then and the early 1900s, the business changed hands a number of times until Alex Gow (having joined the company as a partner in 1908) became the full owner of Queensland’s oldest funeral business in 1909.

Since 1909, Alex Gow Funerals has remained a family-owned and operated business.

Today, Alex Gow Funerals has 4 locations in Queensland: Newstead, Browns Plains, Cleveland and Deception Bay.

Apart from the InvoCare funeral brands (such as Metropolitan Funerals), Alex Gow Funerals is a well-known funeral home in Queensland. When selecting a funeral home, an important consideration is whether to engage the services of a large company or a smaller one. While large companies offer a well-known brand, it can often mean that you’ll pay a premium, and that you may not have as much flexibility to personalise the funeral, so it’s definitely worth considering all of your options.

Gathered Here lets you instantly compare prices and customer reviews for all funeral homes in your area.

For more information about Australia’s larger funeral homes, see our guide to Funeral Companies in Australia.

What Services Does Alex Gow Funerals Offer?

Alex Gow provides all of the general funeral services that you would expect from a funeral director.

In addition to providing funeral services, Alex Gow is involved in a number of community activities aimed at giving back and improving the lives of others.

Alex Gow is an upper mid-range funeral home, with similar pricing to other Queensland funeral homes such as Metropolitan Funerals and K.M. Smith Funeral Directors.

Alex Gow Funerals in the News

In 2014, Alex Gow Funerals found itself in the media spotlight over a $7,195 bill for a Gold Coast man’s mother’s funeral. The dispute arose because in 1948, the man’s mother agreed to what she thought was a pre-paid funeral, after which she paid 25 pounds to Alex Gow Funerals in small increments over the next 30+ years. The family argued that the funeral had been pre-paid in its entirety. However, Alex Gow Funerals contended that the contract was always limited to the value of 25 pounds (or $50 plus interest) and therefore that the family was required to pay the balance of the funeral costs.

In 2016, the Brisbane Times reported the more positive story of Alistair Gow’s receipt of a Medal of the Order of Australia in Governor-General Peter Cosgrove’s 2016 Australia Day honours list. Alistair Gow was Director of Alex Gow Funerals.

Advertising and Marketing

As a large Queensland family-owned funeral home, Alex Gow can spend significantly on advertising and marketing.

Here’s a TV commercial advertising their services:

And here’s another offering their assistance in creating photo presentations of loved ones:

Alex Gow Funerals Costs

Alex Gow Funerals is an upper mid-range funeral brand, and one of the more expensive funeral options available for families in Queensland.

To help you compare prices, we’ve set out the price of the professional services fee charged by Alex Gow Funerals next to the state averages and minimums. As you can see, the prices Alex Gow Funerals charges are anywhere from 27% cheaper to 19% more expensive than the state averages and 30% – 97% more expensive than the cheapest options in the state.

(Note: These prices are taken from our database and are current as at the time of publication. They are for the professional services fee only and do not include any additional costs such as coffin, flowers, celebrant, notices or cemetery fees.)

For more information, see our article on Understanding Funeral Costs and our Brisbane Funeral Directors Guide for city specific information on funeral costs and how to find a local funeral home in your area.

Alex Gow Funerals Locations

Alex Gow Funerals has 4 locations across Queensland. For contact information, indicative prices and customer reviews at any of their locations, click on the appropriate link below.

Alex Gow Funerals is a well-known funeral brand in Queensland. However, it is just one of the options available to families when searching for a funeral director, so be sure to do your research. Our comparison website makes it easy to compare prices and customer reviews at over 670 funeral homes across Australia.

See the full picture and make fully informed decisions. Move forward in the certainty that your loved one’s memory will be looked after. Funeral Homes are Gathered Here.

››› Or get quotes from funeral homes

The post Alex Gow Funerals appeared first on Gathered Here.

Scroll down to read more about cemeteries in:

1. Western Sydney
2. Sydney’s Northern Suburbs
3. Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
4. Sydney’s Southern Sydney
5. South-West Sydney
6. Hills District
7. Forest District
8. Lower North Shore

If you’re looking for more general information, including the price or cost of burial plots in Sydney, see our guide to Finding a Cemetery in Australia, and our Guide to Burial Plots in Australia. For information on cremations, see our guide to Sydney Crematoriums and Cremation Services and our guide to Direct Cremations Sydney.

1. Western Sydney Cemeteries

There are a number of Sydney cemeteries in the western suburbs, including Rookwood Cemetery, one of Sydney’s oldest and largest cemeteries. The cemeteries in western Sydney offer a range of burial and memorial options.

Rookwood Cemetery

• Address: Hawthorne Ave, Rookwood NSW 2141
• Operator: Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Land Manager
• Website: www.rookwoodcemetery.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

For more information about Rookwood Cemetery, including fees, see Rookwood Cemetery – Key Details.

Rookwood Memorial Gardens and Crematorium

• Address: Memorial Avenue, Rookwood NSW 2141
• Operator: InvoCare
• Website: www.rookwoodcrem.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

Riverstone Cemetery

• Address: 1 Cemetery Road, Angus NSW 2765
• Operator: Blacktown City Council
• Website: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Cemeteries/Riverstone-Cemetery

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

Pinegrove Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematorium

• Address: Kington Street, Minchinbury NSW 2770
• Operator: InvoCare
• Website: www.pinegrovecrem.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

2. Northern Suburbs Cemeteries

There are various Sydney cemeteries to choose from in the northern suburbs. All of these cemeteries have burial plots available for sale, and a number of them have an on-site crematorium.

Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium

• Address: 199 Delhi Road, North Ryde NSW 2113
• Operator: InvoCare
• Website: www.northernsuburbscrem.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium

• Address: Corner Delhi and Plassey Roads, North Ryde NSW 2113
• Operator: Northern Cemeteries
• Website: www.northerncemeteries.com.au/macquarie-park/

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

For more information about Macquarie Park Cemetery, including fees, see Macquarie Park Cemetery – Key Details.

Field of Mars Cemetery

• Address: Quarry Road, Ryde NSW 2112
• Operator: Northern Cemeteries
• Website: www.northerncemeteries.com.au/field-of-mars

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

3. Eastern Suburbs Cemeteries

There are two cemeteries in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs with available burial plots. Located on the Bronte clifftops, Waverley Cemetery is particularly unique with its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park

• Address: 12 Military Road, Matraville NSW 2036
• Operator: Southern Metropolitan and Cemeteries Trust
• Website: https://www.smcnsw.org.au/eastern/home

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

Waverley Cemetery

• Address: St Thomas Street, Bronte NSW 2024
• Operator: Waverley Council
• Website: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/places_of_interest/waverley_cemeteries

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

4. Southern Sydney Cemeteries

Woronora Memorial Park in Sydney’s southern suburbs is a cemetery with both burial and cremation options available.

Woronora Memorial Park

• Address: 121 Linden Street, Sutherland NSW 2232
• Operator: Southern Metropolitan and Cemeteries Trust
• Website: https://www.smcnsw.org.au/woronora/home

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

5. South-West Sydney Cemeteries

There are two Sydney cemetery options available in the south-west suburbs.

Liverpool Cemetery and Crematorium

• Address: 207 Moore Street, Liverpool NSW 2170
• Operator: Liverpool Cemetery
• Website: www.liverpoolcemetery.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

• Address: Camden Valley Way, Leppington NSW 2179
• Operator: InvoCare
• Website: www.forestlawn.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

6. Hills District

Castlebrook Memorial Park in Sydney’s Hills District is a cemetery with both burial and cremation options available.

Castlebrook Memorial Park

• Address: 712-746 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
• Operator: InvoCare
• Website: www.castlebrook.com.au

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

7. Forest District

Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery  in Sydney’s Forest District is a cemetery with burial options available.

Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery

• Address: 1 Hakea Avenue, Davidson NSW 2085
• Operator: Northern Cemeteries
• Website: https://nmclm.com.au/locations/frenchs-forest/

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

8. Lower North Shore

Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery in Sydney’s Lower North Shore is a cemetery with the ability to memorialise a loved one in a niche wall.

Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery

• Address: Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065
• Operator: Northern Cemeteries
• Website: https://nmclm.com.au/locations/gore-hill/

Cemetery options

Facilities and services

If you’re planning a funeral and have chosen a particular cemetery in Sydney, you may need help to find a funeral director.

Finding and comparing funeral directors in an area of Sydney is quick and easy:

1. Go to www.gatheredhere.com.au
2. Select Burial or Cremation
3. Select the Type of Service you want
4. Enter your postcode, or the postcode of the cemetery you like (see the listings above), and click “Compare”

Alternatively, you can go directly to our dedicated search page for Funeral Directors in Sydney.

If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email at support@gatheredhere.com.au or leave us a comment below.

 See the full picture and make fully informed decisions. Move forward in the certainty that your loved one’s memory will be looked after. Funeral Homes are Gathered Here.

››› Or get quotes from funeral homes

The post Sydney Cemeteries – Complete Guide 2021 appeared first on Gathered Here.

To compare Rookwood Cemetery to other cemeteries in Sydney, see our Sydney Cemeteries Guide. For more general information, including the price or cost of burial plots in Sydney, see our guide to Finding a Cemetery in Australia, and our Guide to Burial Plots in Australia. For information on cremations, see our guide to Sydney Crematoriums and Cremation Services.

About

Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney has operated since 1867 and is Australia’s largest working cemetery. It is managed by the Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Land Manager (Rookwood General Cemetery).

Contact Details / Hours

• Address: Hawthorne Ave, Rookwood NSW 2141
• Telephone: 02 8575 8100
• Email: info@rookwoodcemetery.com.au (cemetery services); memorials@rookwoodcemetery.com.au (stonemason services)

Office Hours

Mon – Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm (via phone only)
Sun: 9am – 3pm (via phone only)

Location

Rookwood Cemetery is located approximately 30 minutes west of Sydney, NSW.
The main office is located on Hawthorne Avenue (north). Download a printable map

Social Media

Burial Options

Rookwood General Cemetery offers different burial types, ash interment and cremation options:

• Ash Burial
• Ash Niche Walls (Outdoor)
• Ash Niches (Mausoleum)
• Monumental Burials
• Lawn Burials
• Crypts
• Vaults

Rookwood General Cemetery offers non-denominational and religious services, specialising in:

• Armenian
• Assyrian
• Catholic
• Chinese
• Christian
• Coptic & Syrian
• Druze
• Estonian
• Greek
• Islamic
• Jewish
• Lutheran
• Macedonian
• Mandaean
• Maori
• Methodist
• Orthodox
• Presbyterian
• Russian
• Serbian
• Ukranian

Rookwood General Cemetery has made funerals more affordable by packaging hire of the All Souls venue to include the cost of cremation. A weekday service, including live-streaming and cremation costs $950.00

Fees

As at the time of publication, Rookwood General Cemetery fees can be found here.

Venues

A beautiful and iconic location, Rookwood General Cemetery boasts several venues to suit the needs of you and your family.
Chapel and ceremonial venues accommodate 20 to 180 guests, offering intimate settings in which to farewell a loved one.
Function venues are also available for wakes and memorial services, with culturally specific menus offered to meet community needs.

Find out more: http://www.rookwoodcemetery.com.au/venues

Village Functions at Rookwood

Rookwood Cemetery has a function centre and on-site caterer to assist with funeral and memorial services.

Village Functions at Rookwood offers the following venues:

• Amber Condolence Room (60 pax seated; 120 pax standing)
• Topaz Condolence Room (60 pax seated; 150 pax standing)
• Sapphire Condolence Room (120 pax seated; 300 pax standing)

Village Functions also offers catering for functions held at Rookwood Cemetery.

Village Flowers at Rookwood

Rookwood Cemetery has an on-site florist open 7 days, 7-3.30pm, to assist with funeral flowers.

Village Flowers at Rookwood is located at the corner of Memorial Avenue and Necropolis Drive.

Village Cafe at Rookwood

Rookwood Cemetery has an on-site cafe with outdoor dining and a playground for children. It is situated inside the cemetery’s Strathfield gates and is open every day from 7-3.30pm.

Funerals at Rookwood Cemetery

If you’re planning a funeral at Rookwood Cemetery, you may need help to find a funeral director.

Finding and comparing funeral directors is quick and easy:

1. Go to www.gatheredhere.com.au
2. Select Burial or Cremation
3. Select the Type of Service you want
4. Enter your postcode, or 2141 – Rookwood Cemetery’s postcode – and click “Compare”

Alternatively, you can go directly to our dedicated search page for Funeral Directors in Sydney.

If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email at support@gatheredhere.com.au or leave us a comment below.

 See the full picture and make fully informed decisions. Move forward in the certainty that your loved one’s memory will be looked after. Funeral Homes are Gathered Here.

››› Or get quotes from funeral homes

The post Rookwood Cemetery – Directions, Fees & Key Details appeared first on Gathered Here.

Writing a will was traditionally considered an expensive and time-consuming exercise which involved hours spent talking to a solicitor and racking up legal fees. Now, with the advent of the internet and the popularity of DIY platforms, will preparation is being taken down a new – much quicker, cheaper and more efficient – path.

A quick Google search reveals a plethora of will templates, checklists, and online platforms – many for a fraction of the cost of a will prepared by a law firm. But is using an online will service suitable for your circumstances? Is an online will valid and legally binding?

In this guide, we answer all your questions and cover everything you need to know about making an online will, including:

1. Why should I write a will?
2. What is an online will?
3. Are online wills good?
4. Online wills – the pros
5. Online wills – the cons

Related resources:

• Duties of the Executor of a Will
• What is Probate?

1. Why should I write a will?

Not many people are good at talking about death, especially if it’s their own. When it comes to making plans for what happens when you pass away, it can be tempting to simply close your eyes to the issue in the hope that it will be someone else’s problem once you’re gone. But taking the time to prepare a will is important because it gives you the opportunity to determine some key things about the possessions and the people that you leave behind. For example, writing a will lets you dictate who your assets go to, so you can ensure your family is adequately provided for. It also means that you choose the person/s who will be legal guardians of your children.

If you die without leaving a will, the courts will distribute your estate in accordance with a legislated formula, leading to results which may be very different from what you would have wanted.

2. What is an online will?

Online will services generally offer an online questionnaire where the user inputs answers to a variety of topics. A will document incorporating that information is then generated and provided to the user for a fee. The will can be printed and must be correctly signed and witnessed.

3. Are online wills good?

Are online wills good? The answer is it depends. In our survey of over 10 online wills and templates, we found the quality and comprehensiveness of the wills vary quite significantly. We may be biased, but we believe our free online will is among the best available in the market.

4. Online wills – the pros

There are numerous upsides to using an online will. Online will services are cheaper, quicker and more convenient than the more traditional process of seeing a wills lawyer. Online wills require no appointment, can be done from the comfort of your living room, and can provide a less confronting experience for those who find it difficult to discuss their death.

5. Online wills – the risks

If you like the idea of using an online will, it’s important to choose a reputable and trusted provider. It’s also important to remain mindful of the risks associated with online wills – identifying and addressing these risks can avoid significant stress and misery for both you and your loved ones.

The risks associated with using an online will tend to fall into 2 categories:

1. Risks of using an online will when your circumstances are more complicated than those that online wills are intended to provide for.
2. Risk of using an online will in the absence of adequate legal (and other professional) advice.

Complex circumstances

It is important to note that online wills are intended to be used by those with simple and straightforward circumstances. For example, if you have uncomplicated assets and wish to cleanly divide those assets among your loved ones.

However, there are many more complicated situations that online wills do not provide for, including if you:

• want to leave a close family member out of your Will
• have property overseas;
• have complex finances;
• have a blended family;
• have beneficiaries with varying needs;
• have a self-managed super fund;
• have a company or family trust.

Before deciding to use an online will, you should ensure it is appropriate for your circumstances.

Legal issues

Using an online will service can often mean preparing your will in the absence of the comprehensive instructions and reviews that a wills lawyer would traditionally provide.

This can give rise to risks such as:

• the instructions in your will being unclear, ambiguous or different in meaning to what you intended;
• your will missing important information;
• a greater likelihood of claims against your estate; for example, because you have not adequately provided for particular family members or dependants;
• your will being incorrectly drafted, signed and/or witnessed.

This opens your will to misinterpretation and challenges, and – ultimately – may invalidate your will. If your will is found to be invalid, the Courts may deal with your estate as though you did not leave a will at all.

6. Our Free Online Wills Platform

If you’ve decided that an online will is the right option for you, you can create our own will using our free Online Wills Platform. There’s absolutely no cost. If you’re unsure, you can try it out and read through the will that is generated for you. If you’re happy with how it operates – that’s great. If you’re unsure about anything, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our wills lawyers to discuss a bespoke will.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at wills@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.

The post Should You Make an Online Will? appeared first on Gathered Here.

The coronavirus (or COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation and the effects of the virus have affected the way each of us goes about our daily life. Funerals in Australia have also been impacted by coronavirus. However, looking at the experience of other countries around the world, so far Australia has fared comparatively well.

In this article, we’ll look at the following topics:

1. Are funerals in Australia allowed under coronavirus restrictions?
2. How have other countries managed funerals?
3. What is the likely impact of COVID-19 on funerals in Australia?
4. How will people who have died from coronavirus be treated by the funeral industry?
5. What are your options for funerals in Australia amidst coronavirus?

1. Are funerals in Australia permitted under coronavirus restrictions?

The Federal Government has activated social distancing restrictions that impact all funeral services in Australia. Further to this, social distancing restrictions may differ between jurisdictions and change with little notice. For the latest government information, advice and resources on COVID-19, please visit www.health.gov.au.

2. How have other countries managed funerals?

It is useful to look to other countries to get a sense of how funerals in this pandemic have been handled in different parts of the world.

Funerals and coronavirus in Italy

In one of the most extreme cases, Italy announced a blanket ban on all public gatherings, including funerals. However, despite this, some Italians ignored the ban on funerals. In Sicily, a procession of 48 mourners was moving through the streets of Proto Empedocle when police were alerted by a passerby. Each of these mourners faced the possibility of a fine of 206 euros and even jail for up to 3 months.

Funerals and coronavirus in the US

In the US, President Donald Trump recommended that Americans avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. However, this was only a recommendation and funerals with greater numbers of mourners still proceeded.

Funerals and coronavirus in Austria

Austria restricted gatherings to 5 or less people, and similar restrictions have followed for some other European countries.

3. What is the likely impact of COVID-19 on funerals in Australia?

With strict social distancing rules and travelling restrictions, depending on the jurisdiction, this essentially means there is a distinct possibility that not all people who wish to attend a funeral will be able to.

While at this stage it appears unlikely, if a ban on funerals were to come into force, the funeral will just be arranged with the funeral director and a priest for the last rites present. In practice, these funerals would essentially be non-attended burials and cremations.

4. How will people who have died from coronavirus be treated by the funeral industry?

Fortunately, in Australia, we have only had a relatively small number of deaths due to COVID-19. However, under the Federal Government’s worst-case scenario, it is estimated that the number of Australian deaths from coronavirus could be up to 150,000.

While this forecast is a worst-case scenario and it appears that we will avoid this outcome, it does raise the question of how people who have died from coronavirus will be treated by the funeral industry.

Funeral directors might refuse coronavirus victims

There have been several instances around the world where funeral directors have refused to pick up the bodies of those who have died from coronavirus. In the most widely reported incident, Luca Franzese was forced to keep the body of his sister in the house for more than 36 hours because funeral directors refused to collect her body.

These cases, however, appear to be remote incidents so far – and for the most part, funeral directors appear to be accepting coronavirus cases. In Australia, this question has not become widely tested due to the small number of deaths.

Should the need arise in Australia, we have agreed as a company that it would be our priority to survey the entire funeral market in Australia and quickly update the funeral director listings on our website to detail those who are (and are not) accepting coronavirus victims.

The possibility of mass burial pits

If the situation in Australia were to significantly worsen, another question that will need to be addressed is what to do with our dead.

Morbidly, satellite images show that Iran has been forced to build mass burial pits to deal with the sudden spike in the number of coronavirus deaths.

Meanwhile, the funeral industry in Italy has struggled to process the number of their deceased. Their morgues have been inundated and lines of coffins were formed for cremation outside crematoriums.

In the cremation process, it takes over an hour for a body to be fully cremated. Running a cremator for 24 hours a day would only allow you to cremate fewer than 24 bodies per day. Put this in the context that overnight, some countries are reporting over 1,000 dead, the math just doesn’t add up.

Thankfully, this now appears to be an unlikely outcome for us here in Australia.

5. What are your options for funerals in Australia amidst coronavirus?

As discussed above, with the current measures the Australian government has imposed, funerals are still permitted, albeit in line with local social distancing rules, including travel restrictions. However, this does not mean that we should not be careful and take additional precautions when organising funerals in the time of COVID-19. In fact, there are a number of very practical options that you should consider if you are arranging a funeral to minimise and prevent the spread of the virus.

Technology

One idea is to use the power of technology. Almost all funeral directors are now able to arrange a videographer to record a funeral for you, and some are even equipped to live-stream the service. This offers the opportunity for those who are unable to be physically present to virtually “attend” the funeral service from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The outdoors

If you still want to have a traditional funeral service and minimise risk, you should consider holding the service in an outdoor area with plenty of room.

All funeral directors will be able to provide you with outdoor options for a service, whether it be at the graveside, a park, beach or other public event space. For more information on Graveside Funeral Services, see our Guide to Planning a Funeral Service.

Green funerals

You might also consider a green funeral – where a loved one is laid to rest in an environmentally friendly manner, be it in a green cemetery or designated bushland. This practice is becoming more common as Australians become more conscious of environmental issues. For more information about green funerals, see our Guide to Green Funerals in Australia.

Private or postponed memorial services

Another alternative that is becoming increasingly popular is the direct cremation (otherwise known as a “no service, no attendance” cremation). With a direct cremation, the funeral home will organise the cremation of your loved one and then deliver the ashes to you. You can then organise a memorial service in your own time to farewell your loved one – this might be at a park, the beach, in your own garden or anywhere else that might have been meaningful to the deceased.

Unlike traditional funerals, where the coffin and the body need to be present at the service, memorial services allow families much more flexibility. There is no time limit as to when a memorial service can take place – a service that is weeks or even months after the death would not be out of place. In the context of COVID-19, families could easily opt to hold the service with family and friends when the threat has passed and it safe to meet in person again. For more information, see our Guide to Memorial Services.

In terms of price, direct cremations are by far the most cost-effective choice for families arranging funerals. In our Funeral Prices in Australia Report, we found that the average cost of a cremation with a service was $6,053 while the average cost of a direct cremation was $3,553. However, within this average price, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive direct cremation was $7,201. This underlines the importance of shopping around and getting multiple quotes.

Gathered Here can help you get quotes from 3 funeral directors. Simply fill out the short 6-question form here to get funeral price quotes from top-rated funeral directors in your area.

In these times of social distancing and potential financial hardship for many Australians, a direct cremation is worth serious consideration, even for those who may not normally have opted for this type of funeral.

How can I prepare?

While it seems premature at this time to begin planning for the death of loved ones due solely to coronavirus, it is always a good idea to be prepared – regardless of COVID-19. Generally speaking, prepaid funerals are the best way to plan for a funeral – allowing families to lock in the funeral at today’s prices and arrange all the details upfront (rather than having to guess at what their loved one would have wanted once they have already passed away). They are a far better funeral planning option than funeral insurance and even funeral bonds.

COVID-19 represents a 1-in-100 year event that the whole world is coming to grips with. While there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding how it may continue to impact the many facets of our lives, at least when it comes to funerals, we are able to predict with a greater degree of confidence how they will be affected, and the best ways to approach and organise funerals throughout the crisis.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly at support@gatheredhere.com.au or leave us a message in the comments section below.

See the full picture and make fully informed decisions. Move forward in the certainty that your loved one’s memory will be looked after. Funeral Homes are Gathered Here.

››› Or get quotes from funeral homes

The post The Impact of Coronavirus on Funerals in Australia appeared first on Gathered Here.

For a more detailed discussion on probate see What is Probate?

South Australia Probate Filing Fee

A filing fee will be payable. The South Australia probate filing fees are as follows:

Note: These South Australia probate fees above have been updated and are current as at 12 January 2021.

Fixed Fee Probate South Australia

Another component of the costs of obtaining probate are your probate lawyer’s fees. While professional advice can be very important in ensuring a probate application is done correctly and efficiently, that advice should not come at an exorbitant cost. Gathered Here offers access to the best probate lawyers at the most affordable rates. Our Fixed Fee Probate Service means you’ll be told the legal fee for your probate application before any work is commenced. Get a fixed fee quote now – it’s free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Other South Australia Probate Fees

Other costs associated with seeking probate in South Australia can include fees for:

• document preparation;
• searches;
• court notices;
• acquiring the original Death Certificate;
• property valuation/s.

Reimbursement of Probate Costs from the Estate

Remember that probate costs such as the costs of our Fixed Fee Probate Service and the South Australia Supreme Court’s filing fee can be reimbursed from the deceased’s estate once a grant of probate is obtained.

Estate Administration

So you’ve got your grant of probate – now what?

Once the South Australia Supreme Court has issued a grant of probate, the executor – or other relevant person – should proceed to administer the deceased’s estate. Estate administration involves winding up the deceased’s affairs, paying their debts, and distributing any remaining assets.

Depending on the size and complexity of the deceased’s estate, administration can be time and resource intensive. It’s common for the executor (or a loved one) to seek the assistance of a lawyer to administer the estate. Gathered Here offers quality, reasonably-priced assistance with your estate administration needs. Get an obligation-free quote now.

We hope you’ve found this guide to Probate SA Costs useful. For information about dealing with a deceased’s estate, see our Probate FAQs.

If you have any questions about our Fixed Fee Probate Service, or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Do you need a grant of probate? Get a fixed-fee quote for probate and estate administration services. Low cost, top-rated probate lawyers.

The post Probate South Australia Costs – What are the Probate Fees in South Australia? appeared first on Gathered Here.

This guide aims to make things a little bit easier by taking you through the steps needed to deal with a deceased’s estate when they have not left a will and, in particular, explaining the idea of Letters of Administration.

The guide covers:

• • The meaning of a person dying intestate
  • Who can get Letters of Administration
  • Who needs Letters of Administration
  • How to get a grant of Letters of Administration
  • Using a lawyer to get Letters of Administration

Intestate meaning

When we talk about someone ‘dying intestate’ it usually means that they died without a will. Dying intestate can also mean:

• the deceased left a will but it is not a valid will (under state law); or
• the deceased made a valid will but all of the beneficiaries listed in the will have passed away.

The result is often that the deceased has not prescribed the way in which – and the people (i.e. beneficiaries) to whom – they would like their property to be distributed.

The Administrator and Letters of Administration

When a person dies intestate, and leaves behind real and/or personal property, that property needs to be dealt with. Had the deceased left a valid will, it would be the job of the executor named in the will to apply for a grant of probate, and to then follow the deceased’s instructions (contained in the will) in distributing that property to nominated recipients.

Where there is no nomination of executor, it will usually be an administrator who deals with the deceased’s estate, taking care of matters such as collection of property, paying debts and distributing remaining assets. See below as to who can be an administrator.

To undertake the above tasks, the administrator will often require a grant of Letters of Administration. A grant of Letters of Administration is the means by which the court grants authority to the administrator to deal with the estate of a person who has passed away without a will – that is, it enables the administrator to require the people or institutions holding the deceased’s assets to transfer them to the administrator. It is similar to a grant of probate in that it enables the specified person/s to administer the deceased’s property.

Who can get Letters of Administration?

Generally, it is the next of kin of the deceased who can apply for a grant of Letters of Administration. For a full explanation of who can get Letters of Administration in your state, see our Letters of Administration City Guides:

• Letters of Administration NSW
• Letters of Administration Vic
• Letters of Administration Qld
• Letters of Administration SA
• Letters of Administration WA

My loved one died without a will – do I need Letters of Administration?

While Letters of Administration will usually be required where a deceased owned assets of significant value, there are some circumstances in which a deceased died intestate that do not require a grant of Letters of Administration:

• where property was owned jointly by the deceased, it will be transferred to the other owner automatically via the laws of survivorship;
• if the deceased left only minimal assets with no significant value, it may be possible to have those assets released to you without the need for Letters of Administration. However, be aware that some asset holders will require evidence of a grant of Letters of Administration before releasing or transferring any type of asset to the Administrator.

Even where it’s not strictly necessary, obtaining a grant of Letters of Administration can afford the Administrator some important protections from being found personally liable for their dealings with the estate. You should seek legal advice before making a final decision.

How do I get Letters of Administration?

In order to obtain Letters of Administration, the court usually requires you to prove that you have searched for (and have been unable to locate) any will or document conveying the deceased’s intentions in relation to the future of their estate. To learn more about the process of applying for Letters of Administration in your state, see:

• Letters of Administration NSW
• Letters of Administration Vic
• Letters of Administration Qld
• Letters of Administration SA
• Letters of Administration WA

Do I need a lawyer?

Applying for a grant of Letters of Administration in your state can be a complicated and time-consuming process. It is important to understand the legal requirements and to fully comply with them, as not doing so can cost you significant amounts of time and money. Seeking the help of an experienced lawyer can make the process quicker and far less stressful. Gathered Here offers access to specialists in Letters of Administration, at very affordable rates. Our Fixed Fee Service means a fixed legal fee for your Letters of Administration application which you’ll be told upfront. Get a fixed fee quote now – it’s free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

We hope you’ve found this guide to Letters of Administration useful. For information about dealing with a deceased’s estate, see our Probate FAQs.

If you have any questions about our Fixed See Service, or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Do you need Letters of Administration? Get a fixed-fee quote for Letters of Administration Services. Low cost, top-rated lawyers.

The post What are Letters of Administration? appeared first on Gathered Here.

Letters of Administration is a document provided by the Supreme Court of NSW which is often required to collect and distribute the assets or property of a person who did not leave a will outlining what they would like done with their estate.

This guide will take you through the things you need to know about getting a grant of Letters of Administration in NSW, including:

• Intestacy and inheritance – working out who is entitled to a deceased’s estate when they didn’t leave a will
• Who can apply for Letters of Administration in NSW
• When and how to apply for Letters of Administration in NSW
• Costs and fees of Letters of Administration NSW
• Using a lawyer to apply for Letters of Administration NSW

Quick Overview

As discussed in our guide to What are Letters of Administration?, a grant of Letters of Administration is the means by which the court grants authority to the administrator to deal with the estate of a person who has passed away without a will. Dealing with the estate can include collecting and distributing assets, and settling the deceased’s debts.

For more information about the administrator, see below.

Intestacy and Inheritance: Who is Entitled to the Deceased’s Estate?

Under NSW legislation (specifically, the Succession Act 2006 (NSW)), there is an ‘order’ of relatives of the deceased who are entitled to inherit the deceased’s estate.

This order can be summarised as follows:

1. Spouse(s) only. This includes a married person or a domestic partner, being someone who has been in a de facto relationship with the deceased for a continuous period of 2 years; or has been in a de facto relationship with the deceased which resulted in the birth of a child.
2. Spouse(s) and children. This category applies where the deceased has children who are not the children of the spouse(s).
3. Children. Where a deceased’s children are alive, they are the eligible relatives in this category. However, if a deceased’s child has passed away, this category extends to the subsequent generations of the deceased’s lineal descendants – for example, grandchildren and/or great-grandchildren – so that a child takes if their parent has died.
4. Parents.
5. Siblings (including half-siblings and adopted siblings). This category includes the children/lineal descendants of any siblings who have died before the deceased.
6. Grandparents.
7. Aunts and uncles.
8. First cousin/s.

The purpose of this ‘order’ is to consider each category one by one, starting with the first, in order to determine if the deceased had any relatives that fit the description. Once the deceased’s next of kin have been identified in accordance with the above process, the legislation also sets out what percentage of the estate these next of kin are entitled to; that is, how the estate is to be shared.

It’s important to note that the explanation above is merely a summary of the intestacy and succession processes in NSW, and should not be taken as legal advice. Remember that this area of the law is complicated and multi-layered and you should seek professional legal advice to understand your rights in relation to an intestate estate.

Who Can Get Letters of Administration in NSW?

Under the laws of NSW Letters of Administration, it is generally only the person/s who are entitled to receive all or a part of the deceased’s estate who are entitled to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration. Two or more eligible people can apply jointly for a grant of Letters of Administration.

When to Apply for Letters of Administration NSW

In NSW, you should file an application for Letters of Administration within six months of the deceased’s death.

How to Apply for Letters of Administration NSW

The process for applying for Letters of Administration in New South Wales can be complex, and is usually less straight-forward than applying for probate NSW.

In order to get Letters of Administration, a person entitled to be appointed administrator should follow these steps:

1. Look for the deceased’s will – You must conduct a comprehensive search for any will or document that sets out the deceased’s intentions with regard to their estate. This involves looking through the deceased’s papers, speaking to those close to the deceased, and making inquiries with people and/or institutions that the deceased may have been likely to provide a will to; for example, the Supreme Court of NSW or the deceased’s solicitor. Your search must be sufficiently thorough to convince the Court that no such will or relevant document exists.
2. Death certificate – Apply to the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages for a death certificate.
3. Work out who should apply – As mentioned above, the person/s who are entitled to inherit the deceased’s assets should apply for Letters of Administration. To work out who this is, see ‘Intestacy and inheritance’ above.
4. Notice of intention – Publish a notice of your intention to apply for Letters of Administration on the NSW Online Registry. At the time of writing, the fee for publication was $46.
5. Complete the application forms – Application forms can be obtained from the NSW Justice website. Completing these forms to the standard required by the Court can be time-consuming and tricky, and it is a good idea to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
6. Submit the application – After waiting at least 14 days from the date on which your notice of intention was published, you can file your application for Letters of Administration with the Supreme Court of NSW Registry. Submissions can be done by post or in person.

Letters of Administration NSW – Costs and Fees

At the time of writing, the NSW Supreme Court filing fee for Letters of Administration was as follows:

How Long Does a Grant of Letters of Administration in NSW Take?

Applications should be processed within 5 business days. Keep in mind that applications that are filled out incorrectly or are missing important information can significantly delay the process.

Getting Legal Help – Fixed Fee Service

As you can see, applying for Letters of Administration in New South Wales can be complicated – there are searches to conduct, forms to complete and legislation to interpret. Undertaking the process without adequate experience or advice can lead to errors in determining entitlement and failures in satisfying court requirements. This in turn creates enormous stress and can hold up the process while you go round in circles trying to work out how to rectify your mistakes.

Professional advice is both important and helpful in ensuring an application for Letters of Administration is done correctly and efficiently. However, we know that that advice should not come at an exorbitant cost. Gathered Here offers access to the best lawyers at the most affordable rates. Our Fixed Fee Service means you’ll be told the legal fee for your Letters of Administration application before any work is commenced. Get a fixed fee quote now – it’s free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Reimbursement of Administration Costs From the Estate

Remember that costs associated with acting as administrator such as the costs of our Fixed Fee Service and the NSW Supreme Court’s filing fee can be reimbursed from the deceased’s estate once a grant of Letters of Administration is obtained.

We hope you’ve found this guide to Letters of Administration NSW useful. For information about dealing with a deceased’s estate, see our Probate FAQs.

If you have any questions about our Fixed Fee Service, or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Do you need Letters of Administration? Get a fixed-fee quote for Letters of Administration Services. Low cost, top-rated lawyers.

The post Letters of Administration NSW appeared first on Gathered Here.

Letters of Administration is a document provided by the Supreme Court of Victoria which is often required to collect and distribute the assets or property of a person who did not leave a will outlining what they would like done with their estate.

This guide will take you through the things you need to know about getting a grant of Letters of Administration in Vic, including:

• Intestacy and inheritance – working out who is entitled to a deceased’s estate when they didn’t leave a will
• Who can apply for Letters of Administration in Vic
• When and how to apply for Letters of Administration in Vic
• Costs and fees of Letters of Administration Vic
• Using a lawyer to apply for Letters of Administration Vic

Quick Overview

As discussed in our guide to What are Letters of Administration?, a grant of Letters of Administration is the means by which the court grants authority to the administrator to deal with the estate of a person who has passed away without a will (or without a valid will). Dealing with the estate can include collecting and distributing assets, and settling the deceased’s debts.

For more information about the administrator, see below.

Intestacy and Inheritance: Who is Entitled to the Deceased’s Estate?

Under Victorian legislation (specifically, the Administration and Probate Act 1958 (Vic)), there is an ‘order’ of relatives of the deceased who are entitled to inherit the deceased’s estate. It is necessary to identify who is the deceased’s closest next of kin.

This order can be summarised as follows:

1. Spouse/domestic partner.
2. Children. This includes adopted children but does not include step-children.
3. Grandchildren. 
4. Parents.
5. Siblings. This includes nieces and nephews if their parent (being the deceased’s sibling) has died.
6. Grandparents.
7. Nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, great-grandparents.
8. Even more remote next of kin.

The purpose of this ‘order’ is to consider each category one by one, starting with the first, in order to determine if the deceased had any relatives that fit the description. Once the deceased’s next of kin have been identified in accordance with the above process, Victorian legislation also sets out what percentage of the estate these next of kin are entitled to; that is, how the estate is to be shared.

It’s important to note that the explanation above is merely a summary of the intestacy and succession processes in Victoria, and should not be taken as legal advice. Remember that this area of the law is complicated and multi-layered and you should seek professional legal advice to understand your rights in relation to an intestate estate.

Who Can Get Letters of Administration in Vic?

Under the laws of Victoria’s Letters of Administration, it is generally only the person/s who are entitled to receive all or a part of the deceased’s estate who are entitled to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration. Two or more eligible people can apply jointly for a grant of Letters of Administration.

When to Apply for Letters of Administration Vic

In Victoria, you should file an application for Letters of Administration within three months of the deceased’s death.

How to Apply for Letters of Administration Vic

The process for applying for Letters of Administration in Victoria can be complex, and is usually less straight-forward than applying for probate Vic.

In order to get Letters of Administration, a person entitled to be appointed administrator should follow these steps:

1. Look for the deceased’s will – You must conduct a comprehensive search for any will or document that sets out the deceased’s intentions with regard to their estate. Your search must be sufficiently thorough to convince the Court that no such will or relevant document exists.
2. Death certificate – Apply to Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria for a death certificate.
3. Work out who should apply – As mentioned above, the person/s who are entitled to inherit the deceased’s assets should apply for Letters of Administration. To work out who this is, see ‘Intestacy and inheritance’ above.
4. Notice of intention – Publish a notice of your intention to apply for Letters of Administration on the Victorian Probate Online Advertising System. At the time of writing, the fee for publication was $26, to be paid by credit card.
5. Complete the application forms – Application forms can be obtained from the Supreme Court of Victoria website. Completing these forms to the standard required by the Court can be time-consuming and tricky, and it is a good idea to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
6. Submit the application – After waiting at least 14 days from the date on which your notice of intention was published, you can file your application for Letters of Administration in person at the Probate Office of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Letters of Administration Vic – Costs and Fees

At the time of writing, the Victorian Supreme Court filing fee for Letters of Administration was as follows:

How Long Does a Grant of Letters of Administration in Vic Take?

Applications should be processed and the grant posted to you within 5-10 business days. Keep in mind that applications that are filled out incorrectly or are missing important information can significantly delay the process.

Getting Legal Help – Fixed Fee Service

As you can see, applying for Letters of Administration in Victoria can be complicated – there are searches to conduct, forms to complete and legislation to interpret. Undertaking the process without adequate experience or advice can lead to errors in determining entitlement and failures in satisfying court requirements. This in turn creates enormous stress and can hold up the process while you go round in circles trying to work out how to rectify your mistakes.

Professional advice is both important and helpful in ensuring an application for Letters of Administration is done correctly and efficiently. However, we know that that advice should not come at an exorbitant cost. Gathered Here offers access to the best lawyers at the most affordable rates. Our Fixed Fee Service means you’ll be told the legal fee for your Letters of Administration application before any work is commenced. Get a fixed fee quote now – it’s free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Reimbursement of Administration Costs From the Estate

Remember that costs associated with acting as administrator such as the costs of our Fixed Fee Service and the Victorian Supreme Court’s filing fee can be reimbursed from the deceased’s estate once a grant of Letters of Administration is obtained.

We hope you’ve found this guide to Letters of Administration Vic useful. For information about dealing with a deceased’s estate, see our Probate FAQs.

If you have any questions about our Fixed Fee Service, or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Do you need Letters of Administration? Get a fixed-fee quote for Letters of Administration Services. Low cost, top-rated lawyers.

The post Letters of Administration Vic appeared first on Gathered Here.

Letters of Administration is a document provided by the Supreme Court of Queensland which is often required to collect and distribute the assets or property of a person who did not leave a will outlining what they would like done with their estate.

This guide will take you through the things you need to know about getting a grant of Letters of Administration in Qld, including:

• Intestacy and inheritance – working out who is entitled to a deceased’s estate when they didn’t leave a will
• Who can apply for Letters of Administration in Qld
• When and how to apply for Letters of Administration in Qld
• Costs and fees of Letters of Administration Qld
• Using a lawyer to apply for Letters of Administration Qld

Quick Overview

As discussed in our guide to What are Letters of Administration?, a grant of Letters of Administration is the means by which the court grants authority to the administrator to deal with the estate of a person who has passed away without a will. Dealing with the estate can include collecting and distributing assets, and settling the deceased’s debts.

For more information about the administrator, see below.

Intestacy and Inheritance: Who is Entitled to the Deceased’s Estate?

Under Qld legislation, there is an ‘order’ of relatives of the deceased who are entitled to inherit the deceased’s estate.

This order can be summarised as follows:

1. Spouse(s) only.
2. Spouse(s) and children. This category applies where the deceased has children who are not the children of the spouse(s).
3. Children and grandchildren.
4. Parents.
5. Siblings. This category includes the children of any siblings who have died before the deceased.
6. Grandparents.
7. Aunts and uncles. This category includes the children of any aunts/uncles who have died before the deceased.

The purpose of this ‘order’ is to consider each category one by one, starting with the first, in order to determine if the deceased had any relatives that fit the description. Once the deceased’s next of kin have been identified in accordance with the above process, the legislation also sets out what percentage of the estate these next of kin are entitled to.

It’s important to note that the explanation above is merely a summary of the intestacy and succession processes in Qld, and should not be taken as legal advice. Remember that this area of the law is complicated and multi-layered and you should seek professional legal advice to understand your rights in relation to an intestate estate.

Who Can Get Letters of Administration in Qld?

Under the laws of Qld Letters of Administration, it is generally only the person/s who are entitled to receive all or a part of the deceased’s estate who are entitled to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration. Two or more eligible people can apply jointly for a grant of Letters of Administration.

How to Apply for Letters of Administration Qld

The process for applying for Letters of Administration in Queensland can be complex, and is usually less straight-forward than applying for probate Qld.

In order to get Letters of Administration, a person entitled to be appointed administrator should follow these steps:

1. Death certificate – Apply to the Queensland Government for a death certificate.
2. Work out who should apply – As mentioned above, the person/s who are entitled to inherit the deceased’s assets should apply for Letters of Administration. To work out who this is, see ‘Intestacy and inheritance’ above.
3. Notice of intention – Publish a notice of your intention to apply for Letters of Administration in the Queensland Law Reporter. At the time of writing, the fee for publication was $161.70. You must also give a copy of the notice to the Public Trustee.
4. Complete the application forms – Application forms can be obtained from the Queensland Courts website. Completing these forms to the standard required by the Court can be time-consuming and tricky, and it is a good idea to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
5. Submit the application – After waiting at least 7 days after the Public Trustee receives your notice, and at least 14 days from the date on which your notice of intention was published, you can file your application for Letters of Administration with the Supreme Court of Queensland. Submissions can be done by post or in person.

Letters of Administration Qld – Costs and Fees

At the time of writing, the Queensland Supreme Court filing fee for Letters of Administration was $706.70.

How Long Does a Grant of Letters of Administration in Qld Take?

Applications should be processed within approximately 3 weeks. Keep in mind that applications that are filled out incorrectly or are missing important information can significantly delay the process.

Getting Legal Help – Fixed Fee Service

As you can see, applying for Letters of Administration in Queensland can be complicated – there are searches to conduct, forms to complete and legislation to interpret. Undertaking the process without adequate experience or advice can lead to errors in determining entitlement and failures in satisfying court requirements. This in turn creates enormous stress and can hold up the process while you go round in circles trying to work out how to rectify your mistakes.

Professional advice is both important and helpful in ensuring an application for Letters of Administration is done correctly and efficiently. However, we know that that advice should not come at an exorbitant cost. Gathered Here offers access to the best lawyers at the most affordable rates. Our Fixed Fee Service means you’ll be told the legal fee for your Letters of Administration application before any work is commenced. Get a fixed fee quote now – it’s free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Reimbursement of Administration Costs From the Estate

Remember that costs associated with acting as administrator such as the costs of our Fixed Fee Service and the Queensland Supreme Court’s filing fee can be reimbursed from the deceased’s estate once a grant of Letters of Administration is obtained.

We hope you’ve found this guide to Letters of Administration Qld useful. For information about dealing with a deceased’s estate, see our Probate FAQs.

If you have any questions about our Fixed Fee Service, or any of our other services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Do you need Letters of Administration? Get a fixed-fee quote for Letters of Administration Services. Low cost, top-rated lawyers.

The post Letters of Administration Qld appeared first on Gathered Here.