Independent Executor & Trustee Administration
The Ruhe Group, led by Alice Ruhe (Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy and Registered Liquidator), brings over two decades of experience in complex administrations, insolvency, investigations, and dispute matters, forming the foundation of our independent executor and estate administration services where neutrality, commercial judgment, and swift resolution are essential.
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For estates with a valid will and moderate complexity.
Includes:Securing estate assets
Probate assistance (via solicitor partners)
Realisation and distribution of assets
Tax and compliance management (via accounting partners)
Communication with beneficiaries
Statutory record-keeping and finalisation
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For matters involving dispute, blended families, challenges or litigation.
Includes:Acting as Administrator pendente lite or court-appointed administrator
Forensic investigation of transactions or conduct
Insolvent estate management
Handling family provision or equitable claims
Working with litigation counsel
Realising assets under challenge or dispute
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Appropriate where independence is necessary or required by families, advisers or courts.
Includes:Testamentary trust administration
Acting as replacement trustee due to conflict, incapacity or dispute
Administration of trusts connected to family businesses or corporate entities
Why Independence Matters
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Independence is not just a convenience. It protects families, advisers, and beneficiaries by ensuring neutral, unbiased decisions grounded in law and commercial reality, reducing conflict (particularly in blended families or strained relationships), and protecting against allegations of favouritism, misconduct, or unreasonable delay. It also supports efficient administration without emotional influence and provides confidence for courts, beneficiaries, and professional advisers.
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Independent appointment is particularly valuable where there is estrangement, unequal gifts, complex asset pools, business or trust structures, overseas beneficiaries, or evidence of tension or declining capacity of a proposed executor.
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Alice’s long history in regulated, high-stakes decision-making means she can be appointed confidently into matters where neutrality, calm judgment, and disciplined administration are essential.
When to Appoint The Ruhe Group
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Family conflict or breakdown in communication
Where relationships are strained and an independent party is needed to progress administration fairly and calmly.
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Will challenges or likely litigation
Matters involving disputes, threatened proceedings, or contested entitlements.
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Executor unable, unwilling, or unsuitable to act
Where a replacement executor or independent administrator is required.
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Business, trust, or SMSF assets
Estates involving structures that require technical oversight and careful coordination.
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Concerns about past transactions or asset movements
Where advisers want confidence that investigations and administration are handled properly.
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Insolvent or financially distressed estates
Matters requiring disciplined management of liabilities and competing interests.
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Neutrality required to preserve fairness and reduce risk
Where impartiality is essential to protect beneficiaries and professional advisers.
Our fees are charged at our designated hourly rates as set out in our Rates Schedule and apply to professional time only. They do not include out-of-pocket expenses, legal fees, tax accounting fees, or GST. Once we understand the scope of the engagement, we can usually provide an indicative cost figure to support planning and transparency, and all external disbursements are charged at cost with full visibility throughout the administration.
Next steps typically begin with a confidential pre-appointment discussion so we can understand the matter and propose a tailored scope of work. Where risk or conflict is escalating, we can move quickly to stabilise the situation and provide clear pathways for advisers and families.