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Statutory Trustee
A statutory trustee is an independent party appointed by a court to manage and sell jointly owned property where the co-owners cannot agree on selling or dealing with it. The trustee takes the matter out of the deadlock, runs the sale and distributes the proceeds in line with the court's orders. TTJ Advisory can act as that impartial trustee where appointed, dealing with all parties even-handedly.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Lawyers, property co-owners, separating couples, business partners, creditors and advisers caught in a disputed property sale or a court-appointed trustee matter.
IN DETAIL
We can act as Statutory Trustees, appointed by the court and tasked with selling the property and fairly distributing proceeds among co-owners, be it spouses or business partners. With our authority to settle real property disputes, we become pivotal players in various legal proceedings like separation, divorce, bankruptcy, and liquidation.
Why does a court appoint a trustee?
Courts appoint Statutory Trustees when owners can't agree on property matters, notably in:
Divorce disputes between spouses over shared properties.
Disputes between investment partners leading to contract changes or dissolution.
Bankruptcy cases requiring property sales, especially when one owner is bankrupt and others are not.
HOW TTJ CAN HELP
Where appointed, TTJ acts as statutory trustee, arranges valuations, runs the sale process, keeps the parties informed and distributes the proceeds in line with the court's orders. The role is deliberately neutral, which is often what allows a stuck matter to move.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
Worth considering when jointly owned property cannot be sold by agreement, when co-owners are at an impasse, when a court appointment is being weighed up, or when an independent person is needed to run the sale fairly.
OUR PROCESS
A statutory trustee appointment runs from confirming the court's orders through to distributing the proceeds. The steps below show how TTJ generally manages the process.
Important Considerations
The trustee's role is defined by the court's orders, and fairness operates within that legal role rather than beyond it. Statements about sale outcomes, the trustee's duties and how proceeds are distributed depend on the orders and require review.
FAQ
You're probably wondering...
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AUSTRALIA
Thyge Trafford-Jones
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Principal — ASIC Registered Liquidator (No. 458321) · AFSA Registered Trustee (No. 1582)
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Member, Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA)
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Member, CPA Australia
TTJ Advisory is a registered business name of Restructure My Small Business Pty Ltd (ACN 670 511 476).
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
© 2026 TTJ Advisory.
TTJ Advisory acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live and gather as employees, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
