FAQs About Sage Executor Solutions
What does Sage Executor Solutions do?
We provide guidance, tools, and step-by-step support to executors and families managing a deceased estate. Our services help reduce the time, cost, and stress of estate administration by breaking down more than 40 administrative tasks into a clear, manageable process.
Are you a legal service or a lawyer?
No. We do not provide legal or financial advice. Instead, we specialise in the administration side of estate management—things like notifying banks, superannuation funds, utilities, share registries, insurers, and government bodies. We complement the role of lawyers and accountants by helping with the practical workload that often falls to executors.
How are your services different from a solicitor?
Lawyers focus on probate, wills, and legal disputes. Our focus is the day-to-day administration tasks that take hundreds of hours and are rarely cost-effective for lawyers to manage. Our solutions are usually up to 5x more affordable than outsourcing admin tasks to legal professionals.
Who do you work with?
We support executors, administrators, family members, and professional partners such as funeral directors, aged-care providers, financial planners, and support organisations.
What services do you offer?
1: 1 After Death administration support: guidance, coordination and management of the process
Pre-Planning Consultations and Executor DIY Manuals– to prepare and lighten the load before death occurs
Executor Masterclasses – workshops covering 40+ tasks with practical tools
How much does it cost?
Services start from $225 for a Pre Planning Consultation, with comprehensive tailored DIY Executor Roadmaps available from $680. Our workshops and masterclasses are priced separately.
We offer a 1-hour complimentary consultation for Our After Death Administration Clients.
Can you help if there is no will?
Yes. While the legal process of obtaining Letters of Administration must go through the courts, we can guide you through the administrative tasks that follow once authority is granted.
Do you only work in South Australia?
No. While we are based in Adelaide, we support executors and families across Australia. Many processes (banking, super, share registries, utilities) are national, and we customise roadmaps to each state’s requirements.
Can I book a free consultation?
Yes. We offer a complimentary 1-hour discovery call to understand your needs and explain how we can help.
General FAQs About Deceased Estate Administration
What is deceased estate administration?
It’s the process of finalising a person’s affairs after they die—collecting assets, paying debts, lodging final tax returns, and distributing what’s left to beneficiaries.
How long does estate administration take?
On average, between 12–24 months, depending on the size of the estate, complexity of assets, court timeframes, and whether disputes arise.
What is Probate, and do I need it?
Probate is a court order confirming the validity of a will and the executor’s authority to act. It’s usually required if the deceased held significant assets (like property or shares) or if financial institutions request it. Small estates may not need probate.
What happens if there is no will?
The estate is administered under state laws of intestacy. A family member (or sometimes the Public Trustee) must apply for Letters of Administration to gain authority.
What are an executor’s main responsibilities?
Locating the will and applying for probate (if required)
Collecting and protecting assets
Notifying institutions (banks, super, government, insurers, utilities)
Paying debts, tax, and funeral expenses
Distributing the estate to beneficiaries
How much work is involved for an executor?
The average executor spends 200–300 hours on paperwork, phone calls, forms, and follow-up. With proper tools and guidance, this can often be reduced to 50 hours or less.
What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is named in the will. An administrator is appointed by the court when there is no will (intestacy). Their duties are largely the same—finalising the estate.
Do executors get paid?
In most cases, executors are unpaid family members. Professional executors (lawyers, accountants, or trustees) can charge fees. In some states, family executors can apply for “commission” if it is agreed or approved by the court.
Can I handle a small estate myself?
Yes—but even small estates often involve more than 40 separate tasks. Many executors underestimate the time and stress involved, which is why our services are designed to lighten the load.
What support is available for executors?
Aside from legal advice, there are very few services supporting the administrative side. That’s the gap Sage Executor Solutions fills—making the process clearer, cheaper, and less overwhelming.