What to do when someone dies in Western Australia

Western Australia uses the Administration Act 1903 (WA) — one of Australia's oldest estate administration statutes. WA also has unique features: the Public Trustee of Western Australia offers a free will service, and probate is filed directly at the Supreme Court in Perth.

Step 1 — Register the death with BDM Western Australia

1. 1
   Funeral director registers within 7 days

   Western Australian law requires registration within 7 days. Your funeral director files with BDM WA. Confirm it's been submitted.
2. 2
   Order certified death certificates

   Apply at bdm.justice.wa.gov.au or call 1300 305 021. Order 8–10. Fees and processing times apply. Priority service is available for an additional cost.

Step 2 — Government notifications

Step 3 — Probate in Western Australia

1. 1
   Determine if probate is required

   Probate is generally required for WA estates over $50,000 or any estate that includes real property (land/house). For smaller estates, a Statutory Declaration may suffice for financial institutions.
2. 2
   File at the Supreme Court of WA — Perth or registry

   Lodge application at the Supreme Court of Western Australia (David Malcolm Justice Centre, 28 Barrack St, Perth). A probate notice is published in the West Australian newspaper. Source: Supreme Court of WA
3. 3
   Receive the sealed grant — 4–8 weeks

   The grant of probate or letters of administration gives you legal authority to act. Present it to WA banks, Landgate for property, and super funds.