What to do when someone dies in South Australia

South Australia operates under the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA) and the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972 (SA). The Public Trustee of SA can administer estates and offers accessible services, especially for families without solicitors.

Step 1 — Register the death with BDM South Australia

1. 1
   Funeral director registers with BDM SA

   Your funeral director registers the death with BDM South Australia. SA requires registration promptly. Confirm it has been submitted before applying for certificates.
2. 2
   Order certified death certificates

   Apply at sa.gov.au/bdm or call 131 882. Order at least 8–10 copies. Standard processing takes 5–10 business days. Urgency requests are available for additional cost.

Step 2 — Government notifications

Step 3 — Probate in South Australia

1. 1
   Determine if probate is needed

   Probate is typically required for SA estates over $50,000 or those containing real property. For smaller estates, a Statutory Declaration may be accepted by banks. The Public Trustee of SA can advise for free in many cases.
2. 2
   Publish a probate notice — The Advertiser

   SA requires a probate notice to be published in a newspaper circulating in SA (typically The Advertiser or The Australian). File supporting documents with the Supreme Court of South Australia.
3. 3
   Receive the sealed grant — 4–8 weeks

   Present the grant of probate to banks, the Lands Titles Office (for property), and super funds. Keep certified copies — most institutions need originals, not photocopies.