A Seller’s Estate Completed the Sale After the Vendor Died
The client’s situation
A vendor died after contracts were exchanged but before settlement. The family initially expected the attorney who had been assisting the vendor to continue signing documents.
How Aquarius Lawyers helped
We reviewed the effect of death on the existing authority, identified the estate steps required and coordinated with the purchaser’s solicitor regarding timing. The settlement plan was reset around the legal representative’s authority rather than relying on an expired power.
The result
The transaction completed once the estate had the necessary authority, with the purchaser kept informed and contractual timing managed.
What this story shows
Death does not necessarily end an exchanged sale, but it can change who has authority to act. Powers of attorney generally require careful reconsideration on death, and estate documentation may be needed before title can transfer.
This is an approved, anonymised success story about a matter handled by Aquarius Lawyers. It is general information, not legal advice. The facts, contract and law applying to another transaction may produce a different outcome.