Professional Administration Appointments

Appointing an experienced, independent professional as executor or administrator can help resolve complexity and reduce conflict in an estate. At HOCW, Director and Principal Lawyer Lachlan Vallance is a recognised independent administrator and trustee for high‑net‑worth and complex estates. Since 2022, he has received close to 30 appointments from the Supreme Court of Victoria to manage long‑running, high‑conflict estates, including resolving disputes, rectifying errors, investigating misappropriation and ensuring compliance with court orders and legal obligations.​

Supported by our dedicated Wills & Estates team, Lachlan’s expertise underpins the firm’s reputation as one of Victoria’s leading legal practices for complex estate management. We can act as court‑appointed administrators or as professional executors and trustees under wills and trusts, providing continuity, neutrality and rigorous governance for families, beneficiaries and other advisers.

When a professional administrator can help

A professional administrator or executor may be appropriate where:

• There is significant conflict between family members or beneficiaries

• The estate is high‑value, complex or involves business, trust or SMSF interests

• There are concerns about mismanagement, misappropriation or past errors

• An existing executor is unable or unwilling to act or needs to be replaced.

In these situations, a professional appointment can stabilise the estate, restore confidence and help move matters toward resolution.​

How we work with families and advisers

We work collaboratively with beneficiaries, accountants, financial advisers and other lawyers to understand the estate’s history and current issues. Our role includes gathering and reviewing information, taking control of estate assets, investigating concerns where required, and implementing practical strategies to administer and, where possible, finalise the estate in a timely and transparent way.​

Talk to us about professional appointments

If you are involved in a difficult or complex estate and believe an independent professional executor or administrator may be needed, we can explain the options and potential pathways through the Supreme Court or by agreement. Contact our Wills & Estates team to discuss whether a professional administration appointment is appropriate in your situation.