Wills & Estates

Planning today to protect tomorrow.

A well-prepared estate plan is one of the most valuable gifts you can leave the people you care about. It removes uncertainty at a painful time, protects vulnerable beneficiaries, and ensures that what you have built goes where you intend it to go.

We prepare wills, powers of attorney and appointments of medical treatment decision makers tailored to your circumstances — from straightforward wills to structures involving testamentary trusts, blended families and business succession. We also guide executors and families through probate and estate administration with efficiency and care.

When disputes arise — a will that fails to make adequate provision, questions about a will-maker's capacity, or disagreements between executors and beneficiaries — we act for executors, beneficiaries and claimants in family provision claims and estate litigation.

We advise and represent clients in relation to

Wills
Powers of Attorney
Medical Treatment Decision Makers
Probate
Letters of Administration
Estate Administration
Family Provision Claims
Estate Disputes
Testamentary Trusts

We help clients protect their assets and ensure their wishes are carried out with certainty.

Our approach

Understand your circumstances
Family structures, business interests, superannuation and prior obligations all shape an estate plan. We start by understanding the full picture.
Design the right structure
For many clients a straightforward will is right. For others, testamentary trusts offer significant protection and flexibility for beneficiaries. We explain the options in plain English.
Document everything properly
Wills, powers of attorney and medical treatment appointments are executed to strict formal requirements — we make sure every document is valid and effective.
Support your family afterwards
When the time comes, we guide executors and families through probate and administration, and resolve disputes with sensitivity and resolve.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I die without a will?

Your estate is distributed according to a statutory formula that may bear no resemblance to your wishes — and the administration process is typically slower, more expensive and more stressful for your family. A properly drafted will avoids all of this.

What is a testamentary trust and do I need one?

A testamentary trust is a trust created by your will that comes into effect on your death. It can protect inheritances from relationship breakdowns, bankruptcy and other risks, and may offer significant tax flexibility for beneficiaries. Whether one suits you depends on your assets and your family's circumstances.

What is probate?

Probate is the Supreme Court's formal recognition that a will is valid and that the executor has authority to administer the estate. Many institutions require a grant of probate before releasing estate assets. We prepare and lodge probate applications and guide executors through the entire administration.

Can someone challenge my will?

In Victoria, certain eligible people can bring a family provision claim if they believe a will fails to make adequate provision for them. Careful estate planning can significantly reduce this risk — and if you are an executor or beneficiary facing a claim, we can act for you in defending or resolving it.

We advise and represent clients in relation to

Our approach

Frequently asked questions

Ready to assist — individuals, families and businesses