Appointed administrator information
Where can I find more advice about my role as an appointed administrator?
The Public Trustee of Queensland has developed a number of useful fact sheets to assist administrators in their role. These are available from The Public Trustee of Queensland offices or website.
How does an administrator exercise their rights with organisations and companies?
You will receive several certified copies of the QCAT order. The order outlines your authority to act on behalf of the adult for financial matters. You will need to present this document to certain people and organisations when you carry out your duties for example, visiting banks and financial institutions where the adult has funds invested.
What if the adult owns property?
If QCAT believes that the adult owns property you must:
- conduct a search of the records held by the Registrar of Titles
- lodge a notice with the Registrar of Titles with a copy of the QCAT order, and
- ensure that if any changes or dealing is made with property on behalf of the adult, that further notice is given to the Registrar of Titles.
For more information contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
How do I establish a bank account for the adult?
You are accountable for the decisions you make in your role as administrator. You must keep reasonable records and produce these when required.
A method that some administrators use is to have all of the adult’s income and expenditure flowing through one working account. This makes it easier to track and reconcile income and expenditure.
If the adult does not have an existing bank account in his or her name, you will need to establish an account for the adult. To do this some banks will require you to present the original QCAT order and other documents that identify you as the administrator.
What happens when the adult dies?
Your powers as an administrator cease when the adult dies. You are required to inform QCAT in writing of the death of the adult within 30 days.
You will need to send QCAT an original or certified copy of one of the following:
- the death certificate, or extract of the death certificate
- the death or funeral notice published in a newspaper
- notification of death by a professional such as a doctor or director of nursing who was involved in the care of the deceased.
If there is a valid will appointing an executor, the executor has the power to take over and administer the deceased estate. Alternatively, the adult will have died without a will (intestate) and the estate will be distributed in accordance with the law.
You must make sure that the adult’s assets are protected until control is handed over to the executor. You should provide records to the executor up to the adult’s date of death. You do not have to provide accounts to QCAT.
For further advice about deceased estates and wills, you should seek legal advice or contact the Public Trustee of Queensland.