Collaborative Deceased Estates
Administer a loved one’s estate together, and keep the family together too.
After a death, executors and beneficiaries often have to make big decisions while they are grieving. Disagreements over the house, the business or a treasured belonging can quickly turn into disputes. A collaborative approach helps everyone work through those decisions openly and respectfully.
Reviewed by Jacinta Watkins, Wills and Estates Partner, collaboratively trained lawyer, AACP member and Board Member of Collaborative Professionals (NSW & ACT) Inc. Last updated November 2026.
Penrith Office
Ground Floor, Suite 4 291/295 High St, Penrith NSW 2750
Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
In person, phone or video consultations
Call: 1300 252 529 Get Directions
What is a collaborative approach to a deceased estate?
We bring executors and beneficiaries together in facilitated meetings to plan how the estate will be administered. Everyone hears the same information at the same time, has a chance to raise concerns, and helps shape practical decisions.
The executor keeps their legal duties and authority. The collaborative process simply gives them a better way to carry those duties out, with the family on side.
Decisions we help families make together
Whether to sell, keep or transfer the family home
How a family business, farm or investment property will be handled
Dividing personal and sentimental items fairly
Agreeing on timing, costs and how the estate will be distributed
Working through disagreements between co-executors
Caring for a surviving spouse or a vulnerable beneficiary
Why take a collaborative approach?
- Fewer misunderstandings. Open meetings replace rumour, suspicion and second-hand updates.
- Support for executors. Executors get guidance and the confidence that the family understands their decisions.
- Lower costs. Avoiding a dispute protects the estate, so more of it goes to the people it was meant for.
- Faster outcomes. Agreed decisions mean fewer delays in selling assets and distributing the estate.
- Relationships protected. Families can grieve together rather than fall out.
Meet your collaborative estates lawyer
Jacinta Watkins, Wills and Estates Partner. Jacinta is a collaboratively trained lawyer, an AACP member and a Board Member of Collaborative Professionals (NSW & ACT) Inc. She helps executors and families through every stage of an estate, with a focus on clarity, compassion and practical solutions.
Jacinta Watkins
Partner
Estate Planning and Deceased Estate
Collaborative Professional
Jacinta leads our wills and estates work, from estate planning and powers of attorney to probate and deceased estates.
Client Experiences & Success Stories
Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our past clients have to say about our compassionate approach, expert advice, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
I’m the executor. Do I have to involve the beneficiaries?
You must keep them reasonably informed. A collaborative approach goes further and invites their input, which often prevents disputes.
Who pays for the collaborative process?
The executor’s reasonable legal costs are usually paid from the estate. We’ll explain costs clearly at the start.
What if one beneficiary won’t take part?
The estate can still be administered. We can involve them as much as they are willing, and keep them informed throughout.
There’s no Will. Can we still do this?
Yes. A collaborative approach can be especially helpful when an estate passes under intestacy rules and the family needs to agree on next steps.
Supporting your family after a loss
Book a conversation with Jacinta to talk through the estate and how a collaborative approach can help.
Learn more about Deceased Estates and Collaborative Law.