Professional Executor & Trustee in the ACT

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Chua Tan Associates acts as independent executor, trustee and manager for estates and families in the Australian Capital Territory, working online and with Canberra practitioners.

Probate in the ACT

• Applications are decided by the Registrar of the ACT Supreme Court under the Administration and Probate Act 1929.
• A notice of intention must be published through the Court’s online probate notice service at least 14 days, and no more than three months, before filing.
• Until a grant is made, the estate vests in the Public Trustee and Guardian.
• Overseas grants: if probate has already been granted overseas, it may be possible to reseal that grant in the ACT; otherwise a fresh the ACT grant is needed. Which applies depends on where the grant was issued, so we confirm the right path with the Registry and prepare the notarised and translated evidence.

Executor’s commission

The Supreme Court may allow an executor, administrator or trustee commission that is just and reasonable for their work. No rate is fixed, so we set out the basis of our fees in writing before you sign your Will.

When an adult loses capacity: ACAT

The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) appoints a manager under the Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991. An individual, a trustee company or the Public Trustee and Guardian can be appointed, and ACAT prefers a suitable individual who consents. Private managers lodge accounts with the Public Trustee and Guardian, which examines them.

Where family members disagree, live overseas or have a conflict, we are available for appointment as an independent manager. ACAT must register an interstate appointment for a person who lives outside the ACT, usually within about a week.

Family provision claims

Under the Family Provision Act 1969 (ACT), claims must be made within six months of the grant. The Court can extend time unless the estate has been fully distributed.

The government alternative

The Public Trustee and Guardian (ACT) can act as executor or manager. Families choose a private professional when they want a named contact, cross-border coordination and service in Mandarin or Cantonese.

How we work in the ACT

We act from Melbourne and online, and bring in trusted Canberra practitioners where your ACT assets need local hands.

General information only, not legal advice, current as at October 2026.