The first meeting with a professional team assisting with winding up an estate can feel overwhelming, particularly when it takes place in the days or weeks immediately following a death. Grief affects concentration, decision-making, and the ability to absorb new information. Coming prepared makes a real difference.
A good first meeting sets the tone for the entire administration process. It is an opportunity to provide the executor with the documents and information they need, to understand what the process involves, to ask the questions that are on your mind, and to establish how communication will work going forward.
This infosheet is a practical preparation guide. It covers what to bring, what information to have ready, the questions worth asking, and how to approach the meeting in a way that is useful for everyone involved.
1 Documents to Bring
- Death Certificate
- Original will (if available)
- ID of the deceased
- Marriage certificate or divorce order
- Bank statements and financial documents
- Title deeds or property information
- Vehicle papers
- List of monthly accounts and subscriptions
2 Information to Have Ready
- Details of close family members
- Contact information for financial advisors
- List of assets and liabilities
- Location of important documents
- Any urgent concerns (e.g., property security, dependants)
3 Questions You May Want to Ask
- What are the next steps?
- How long will the process take?
- What documents will you need from us?
- How will communication work?
- What costs should we expect?
4 Tips for a Smooth Meeting
- Bring a notebook
- Ask for explanations in plain language
- Share concerns early
- Keep an open mind — the process is structured by law
