National Crime Available checklists
Select the checklist that most closely matches your situation. If you are unsure which one applies, start with "Documents to gather" — it covers the evidence base common to nearly every estate dispute.
Suspected Estate Fraud Checklist
Warning signs of fraudulent conduct affecting an estate: forged documents, hidden assets, unauthorised transfers, false representations. What to look for, what to document, and what not to do. For beneficiaries and family members who suspect the estate is being administered dishonestly.
Suspected Undue Influence Checklist
Red flags of coercion in will-making: isolation, dependency, sudden changes, the influencer's involvement in the will-making process. Practical steps to document concerns before evidence is lost. For those who suspect a will was changed under pressure.
Executor First Steps Checklist
What to do — and what not to do — when you first take on the role of executor. Locating the will, securing assets, notifying beneficiaries, managing urgent risks, and protecting yourself from allegations of misconduct. For new executors who want to get it right from the start.
Beneficiary Concern Checklist
When a beneficiary suspects the executor is not doing their job: signs of delay, non-disclosure, self-dealing, or favouritism. What beneficiaries are entitled to know, how to request information, and when to escalate. For beneficiaries who feel they are being kept in the dark.
Elder Coercion Warning Signs Checklist
Recognising when an elderly person is being pressured about their will or finances. Isolation, new "friends", unexplained financial changes, and controlling behaviour. How to raise concerns safely and where to get help — including elder abuse support services.
Documents to Gather Checklist
The evidence base for almost every estate dispute. Wills, medical records, solicitor correspondence, bank statements, POA documents, and more. What to collect, where to find it, and how to organise it so that a lawyer can assess your matter efficiently.
If the situation is urgent
Some estate issues cannot wait for checklists. If assets are being moved, a will is about to be submitted for probate under suspicious circumstances, or an elderly person is in immediate danger of financial exploitation, go directly to our Urgent Help page or call +18392109187.
How to use these checklists
Each checklist follows the same simple structure:
- What to look for — the warning signs and indicators that something may be wrong
- What to document — specific information to record: dates, names, conversations, changes, and evidence
- What to gather — documents, records, and materials that will help a lawyer assess your situation
- What NOT to do — common mistakes that can damage your position or alert the wrong person
- When to get legal advice — the threshold at which professional help is necessary
The checklists are designed to be practical and scannable. You can work through them at your own pace. They are not a substitute for legal advice — but they are a strong starting point for understanding your position and preparing for a conversation with a lawyer.
Need help working through a checklist?
If you have worked through a checklist and identified concerns — or if you are not sure which checklist applies to your situation — we offer a confidential initial review to help you understand your options.
Frequently asked questions about checklists
No. These checklists are practical tools to help you identify issues, gather information, and prepare for a conversation with a lawyer. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Estate and probate disputes are complex and fact-specific. You should obtain legal advice tailored to your circumstances before taking any action based on these checklists.
Yes. The checklists are designed to be useful across both NSW and Queensland. Where a checklist refers to a specific law or procedure, it notes the applicable jurisdiction. However, state-specific legal advice should always be obtained before taking formal steps such as lodging a caveat or commencing proceedings.
If you identify multiple warning signs, it may indicate a serious issue that warrants prompt legal investigation. Go to our Contact page or call us for a confidential discussion. Bring your completed checklist and any documents you have gathered — this will make the initial assessment more efficient and help us give you clearer advice about your options.