Apply for a Section 50 search (deceased estate)

Introduction

If you're the executor, administrator or trustee of a deceased person's estate, and you need to find out if the deceased is recorded as being a parent of any children, you can apply for a Section 50 search. This search is often used to find beneficiaries of a deceased's estate.

You can visit a service centre and lodge your application in person, or post the information.

Eligibility

• If the deceased was born overseas, only their time spent as a resident in NSW will be searched.
• Searches can be conducted for deceased females from ages 12 to 60, and for males from age 12 until death.
• If you're not a legal practitioner but are the administrator or trustee of the estate, you must provide 3 forms of your identification
• Where solicitors apply for certificates on behalf of clients, they must provide:
  • a letter on company letterhead stating the reason required ('legal' is not sufficient; a specific reason is needed, such as Probate, Estate Administration), together with the name of the client the solicitor is acting for
  • the letter must be accompanied by a completed application form and a copy of your Law Society ID Card or Practising Certificate
  • the solicitor's name must be written in the Applicant's Details section
  • payment must be made with a company or trust cheque, or company credit card.

What you need

• your personal and contact details
• your client's details
• the details of the search required
• 3 personal identity documents as specified on the form (if applicable)
• the PDF form – 'Apply for a Section 50 Search'.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements
2. Download and complete the Apply for a Section 50 Search – PDF.
3. Make sure you have all the required documentation.
4. Submit your application using the details on the form.

More information

• Certificates are sent by the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages via registered post. They cannot be collected at a service centre.
• Turnaround times commence when applications are received in full compliance with Registry requirements, and exclude delivery time.
• If you change your mind, or decide the certificate is no longer required, your application fee will not be refunded.
• Documents provided as proof of identity may have their authenticity verified through the online Certificate Validation Service (CertValid) and the National Document Verification Service (DVS).

Payment methods