Wills and Estates

Making a Will

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Planning for your family’s future after you’re gone is an important legal task. If you take the time now to make an effective legally binding Will and Testament, you can save your family not only stress but also money, in what will undoubtedly be a difficult time for them. Drafted by our lawyers, created by you.

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We can help you with:

• Write a Will that maximises the inheritance for your family

• Home and hospital visits to write or update a Will

• Advise you in regard to choosing executors and guardians

• Minimise the chance that your Will is contested and subject to litigation

• Safely store your Will and other important legal documents.

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Without a valid Will, your Estate may be distributed according to strict legal rules, not necessarily what you would have wanted. We help you create a Will that reflects your current circumstances and future intentions, and we make sure it’s clear, enforceable, and up to date.

Power of Attorney + Advance Care Directive

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Estate Planning is also about preparing for the unexpected. Peace of mind that your financial affairs can be looked after by someone you know and trust. Appoint alternate decision-makers who will be able to sign on your behalf concerning financial decisions or health care and living arrangements if you become incapacitated.

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We can help prepare the following for you:

• Enduring Power of Attorney 

• General Power of Attorney 

• Advance Care Directive Form.
   

These documents can helo ensure that if you are ever unable to make decisions, the right people are legally empowered to act on your behalf.

Without them, your family may need to apply to a court or tribunal to make decisions for you which can be stressful, time-consuming, and avoidable.

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Probate + Letters of Administration

When someone passes away, their Estate may need to be formally administered before assets can be distributed.

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Dealing with a Deceased Estate can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. It is common to feel unsure as not all Estates require a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, and we can guide you through the process with clear advice and practical support.

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What we do:

• Assessing the Estate and advising whether Probate or Letters of Administration is required

• Probate applications (where there is a valid Will)

• Letters of Administration applications (where there is no Will)

• Estate administration and asset distribution

• Guidance and support for executors and family members throughout the process.
   

We can handle the legal requirements and any court processes so families can focus on what matters most during a difficult time.​

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Contesting a Will

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Wills can be contested on a number of grounds, but it can be a complicated process.

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Our team can help you by:

• Identifying whether it is worth contesting a Will and assessing the viability of your claim

• Reviewing the size and scope of the Estate

• Negotiating to achieve the best possible settlement outcome

• Minimising the risk of a Will being contested or becoming subject to litigation

• Family provision claims

• Disputes between beneficiaries or executors

• Concerns regarding undue influence or testamentary capacity.

These matters are often emotional and sensitive. We approach them with clarity, discretion, and a focus on resolution where possible.

Estate Planning

You can't rule from the grave, but you can plan your Estate.

Drawing up a Will and planning your Estate according to your personal circumstances is a way of ensuring that your savings and assets are protected by distributing them according to your current wishes.

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What we do:

• Advise you in regard to Estate and Probate laws

• Advice in regard to Estate tax including capital gains and financial concerns.

Trusts

Depending on your circumstances, a simple Will may not be enough. A trust involves an individual or entity (‘the trustee’) holding property for the benefit of another individual (‘the beneficiary’). We also advise on more structured Estate Planning tools, including Trusts.

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What we can do:

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• Set up Family and Testamentary Trusts

• Asset protection strategies

• Blended family planning

• Superannuation and beneficiary nominations

• Business succession considerations

• Advise you in relation to your company/trust structures and how they affect your Estate Planning.