Loss of a loved one
Dealing with bereavement and the management of a Deceased Estate is a difficult time. We are here to help.
Losing a loved one can be a difficult time so it’s important to focus on you and your family.
Notifying us of a bereavement
Before you notify us
We know this is a difficult time, and a difficult conversation. This summary of what you need to know and what to have ready, at each step of the way, could really help.
How to contact us for support
Our estate management team are here to support you during this difficult time. Find information on how to contact us in a branch or over the phone.
What happens after you notify us
Understand what to expect when you notify us of the loss of a loved one, including the implications on deceased estate bank accounts, loans & superannuation.
Managing a deceased estate, funeral plans and the will
Deceased Estates Guide
Discover the essential checklist that will help you manage deceased estates with ease. Provide yourself with some clarity through this difficult time.
Bereavement Guide
When you’re dealing with a bereavement, we know you can feel pretty overwhelmed. Here’s a step-by-step process to make things as straightforward as possible.
Helpful checklists and resources
Knowing who to notify and understanding the different legal terms like Power of Attorney can be confusing. These handy checklists and frequently asked questions may help.
Dealing with grief and elder financial abuse
Dealing with grief & loss of a loved one
Losing a loved one is never easy. We’ve put together some helpful tips on dealing with grief and some useful online resources that may help.
Terms you may come across
Need help with terminology? Our glossary of bereavement terms can help you make sense of the jargon.
Elder financial abuse
Financial abuse can happen to anyone, particularly to those who are dependent on others. Understanding the signs can help prevent or mitigate potential abuse.
Discussing death and your wishes with loved ones
End-of-life planning
Discussions about death can be difficult, but planning early could help to ease the bereavement experience for your loved ones and make it simpler them to enact your final wishes when the time comes.
Beginning the conversation
Death is something we’ll all experience, but it’s sometimes a taboo subject. Learn about how to handle end of life discussions with family and friends.
What is inheritance?
Understand the laws of inheritance, the best way to invest if you have received inheritance, or the best way to provide for your family in the future.
Deceased Estate FAQs
An estate includes all of a person's property, assets, liabilities and debts. A deceased estate refers to all of the property, assets, liabilities and debts belonging to the person when they died. A Will provides instructions on how they would like their deceased estate to be distributed. It is important to stay informed about what you need to prepare when you are dealing with deceased estates.
Look at our step-by-step guide online at westpac.com.au/bereavement or download a copy (PDF 793KB). Share this with family or relevant parties. We need to know as soon as possible so that we can start to help you through the process. Please notify us either in person, online or in writing and when available, provide Westpac with a certified copy of proof of death and a Will, if applicable.
If there is no Will, the next of kin will need to act on behalf of the Estate or an Administrator will need to be appointed by the Supreme Court in the state or territory where the assets are held. Please contact your local branch with the Death Certificate, and explain to them that a Will has not been located. Refer to Step 2: Locating the Will.
It is highly possible that payments will need to be made to the deceased’s accounts in the months following their passing. Examples of these payments are Superannuation benefits, shares, tax refunds, lost super cheques in the Estate of deceased person’s name and so on. If an account is closed and then needs to be re-opened in the name of the deceased, this can be a complex, lengthy and time consuming process. Keeping accounts open ensures that funds can be easily accepted into the Estate.
No, all Power of Attorneys, Guardianships and authorised signatories cease once a person is deceased. Only the next of kin, or Executor/Administrator/Legal representative will be able to engage with the bank regarding the deceased’s accounts after their passing.
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Easy English guides
We’ve translated key documents into Easy English, a style of writing that helps people with a range of communication needs to understand important information. This guide explains how to get help from the bank if you lose someone you love.
If you need to, you can get someone to help you:
- Read this guide.
- Understand what this guide is about.
- Find more information.
Download the Easy English guides
Tools and resources
We hope you find this information relating to the management of a Deceased Estate helpful, however if you wish to contact us please see the information below and contact number for our specialised Estate Management team. We are here to help you through your bereavement.
Download Loss a Loved One Support guide (PDF 793KB) - A comprehensive 30 page guide supporting you after the loss of a loved one.
Other sites
If you are a customer of St.George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne and experiencing bereavement please go to:
https://www.stgeorge.com.au/deceased-estates
https://www.banksa.com.au/deceased-estates
https://www.bankofmelbourne.com.au/deceased-estates
Visit ASIC’s MoneySmart Paying for Funerals – Provides money tips for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.