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InfoTrack's Wills & Estates FAQs

General FAQs for Wills & Estates Interface

Is the Estates interface available in all Australian states?

Yes, the Estates interface is now available across all Australian states for certain matter types in the Estates matters opened within LEAP and Smokeball.

Is the Estates interface compatible with all Practice Management Systems (PMS)?

Currently, the Estates interface is available to LEAP and Smokeball users, with plans to expand support to other PMS platforms in future. If you do not have LEAP or Smokeball, you can access all of the Estates products through the All Services menu.

Are there any fees to use the Estates interface?

There is no cost to access or use the interface itself. Standard product and service fees still apply for any searches, valuations, or other items ordered through the platform.

Can I choose which features of the Estates interface to use?

Yes, the Estates interface is completely flexible. You can choose to use just one feature, such as Will search or Valuations, or access the full suite of tools. For maximum efficiency and reduced manual data entry, we recommend using the interface across the entire estate matter.

Can I start using the Estates interface midway through a matter?

Yes, you can begin using the interface at any stage of an estate matter. However, we often hear that clients initiate their matters with VOI and a title search, so it is likely the natural starting point for you anyway.

What happens if I stop using the Estates interface during a matter?

You will still have access to any products or services already ordered through the interface, and they will remain available in your Practice management system

Client Onboarding and VOI

Do I need to complete VOI for every estates matter?

No. While not mandatory in all cases, Verification of Identity is increasingly used in complex, high-value, or contested estates. It helps confirm clients, executors, beneficiaries, and related parties before assets are written into a will, transferred or distributed.

Completing VOI is also an important step in you meeting your firm’s AML/CTF obligations.

How does a client complete VOI?

You simply send them a secure link via SMS and email. Executors, beneficiaries, or other parties can verify their identity online in just a few steps, no downloads and no in-person meetings required.

Does it cost anything to brand the client portal with my firm’s logo?

No. Branding is free. You can upload your firm’s logo by navigating to Account Settings > Firm Detail in your InfoTrack account.

Will Trace

What does the Will Trace search cover?

It searches a database of more than 2 million wills across AUS and NZ to confirm if there is another version of the will for your client or the deceased.

How does Will Trace reduce the risk of unnecessary probate costs?

By confirming the latest will you minimise the change of incurring unnecessary fees due to an outdated or missing will.

Can I extend the search beyond the database?

Yes, you can opt into a comprehensive missing will search, which includes enquiries with banks, law firms, and government registries.

Searches

What searches are available through the platform?

You can access title searches, national property ownership searches, ASIC company records, AFSA bankruptcy checks, and other key searches to support due diligence and asset discovery for estate planning, administration, and disputes.

Can I order searches on both the deceased and beneficiaries?

Yes. Searches can be completed on multiple individuals or organisations to give you a complete picture of the parties involved, the estate and ensure compliance with court requirements.

How quickly will I receive results?

Most searches return results instantly or within a few minutes, helping you progress estate matters without delay.

Valuations

Can I obtain valuations for property and vehicles for my estate matters?

Yes. The platform can generate property valuations and vehicle valuations via RedBook. These reports are included in the final document package, providing reliable market estimates to support probate applications and equitable distribution of estate assets.

Property Lodgment

What is SettleIT?

SettleIT is an electronic settlement and lodgment service designed to manage the administrative aspects of property settlements. This allows legal professionals to focus on providing legal advice and client support while SettleIT handles the settlement process.

You can explore SettleIT’s services in the ‘Settlement’ step, where key tasks such as Verification of Identity are automatically initiated upon order placement – at no additional cost to you. Additional tasks at this stage include the Client Authorisation Form, Trust Account Authority and, when applicable, Purchaser Declaration and the Mortgage Discharge Authority Form. If you have already started these tasks in the ‘Client Engagement’ step of the interface, SettleIT will seamlessly sync your data to prevent duplication.

How does SettleIT integrate with the new InfoTrack interface?

SettleIT seamlessly integrates with various features of the new InfoTrack interface, including client engagement tasks and property certificate ordering. The connection with other solutions and practice management systems helps streamline processes within the updated interface.

When should I book my SettleIT service?

Clients typically place their order with SettleIT once the contract becomes unconditional. However, as the fee is only deducted upon settlement occurs, you have the flexibility to place your order any time before the unconditional date if preferred.

How can I contact my settlement file handler?

You can reach your assigned file handler through the messaging tool within the Settlement Steps in the new interface. Key updates on your settlement will also be communicated within the same space.

Payment Accounts

What is Payment Account sharing?

Our Payment Accounts product is a secure way for you to request and receive payments into your trust account, and to collect bank details from parties to a matter, such as executors, beneficiaries, and third parties. This is done all through one secure online portal, without exchanging sensitive account details over email or phone.

Who can see my Trust Account?

Trust Account details are only visible to the party you invite to view and pay. You are in control of who you invite and share account details with.

Who can add or change our trust account details?

Only your firm’s designated admin user. This keeps control of sensitive account details centralised, rather than having account numbers circulated by email or added ad hoc by individual staff.

What is the InfoTrack Guarantee?

The InfoTrack Guarantee gives you peace of mind by protecting your clients’ funds for up to AU$1,000,000 when trust account details are securely shared within our Trust Accounts product and funds are sent into your Trust account.

If you have transferred funds using our platform and funds are lost due to third party intervention, we will ensure you get your funds back for up to the value of A$1,000,000 per transaction. InfoTrack reserves the right to withdraw the InfoTrack Guarantee at any time. When making a claim, the decision is at InfoTrack’s discretion.

How do I request someone's bank details?

You send a request through the portal, then the party enters their bank details directly and securely, rather than emailing or calling them through to your firm.

Who can I send a payment accounts request to?

Anyone in your Smokeball/LEAP matter cards, or any third party you add manually. You’ll need their name, email, and phone number.

Is the bank information stored securely?

Yes, it’s collected and stored through the same secure portal. If you use LEAP or Smokeball, the information is also saved within your matter.