Probate and Administration Rules, Forms and Practice
Core concepts
This domain is about procedural compliance: the correct forms, the correct registry, the time limits, and the service requirements. Learn the standard forms for a petition for probate, an application for administration, an oath, an inventory, and a citation. Understand when a caveat is lodged (to prevent a grant issuing without notice) and how it is warned off.
Traps
The commonest trap is using the wrong form or omitting a supporting document. Questions also test time limits for lodging a caveat, for answering a warning, and for appealing a registrar's decision. Watch the fees payable on application and the affidavit of means or sureties where the estate is large or the applicant is outside the jurisdiction.
Worked example
A caveat is lodged. The applicant must warn the caveat within the prescribed period; if the caveator does not appear, the caveat lapses and the grant may issue. If the caveator appears, the matter becomes contentious.
Rule of thumb
Build a checklist: form, will, death certificate, inventory, oath, fees, service. Tick each before filing.