What to do if someone dies

Family members should look for a will. If there is no family in the Northern Territory, a friend of the deceased or the family can help search for a will.

By law, you must contact the Public Trustee to check for a will.

Other ways you can search include all of the following: 

• look through their paperwork
• contact their lawyers
• contact their bank to see if a will is held in a safety deposit box
• ask other relatives or financial advisors who might know whether a will exists.

If a will is found, a person or trustee organisation will have been named as executor. 

If you are appointed executor it means you are responsible for ensuring the person’s wishes are carried out.