Wills & Estate Planning

We understand the unique sensitivities that surround wills and estate planning on both a legal and personal level. Whether it be preparing wills or disputing wills, we want to make the process as smooth as possible.

Making a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect those most important to you and the last thing you want at a time of grief is a will dispute. Our highly experienced team will listen closely to you to ensure your wishes are clearly and accurately represented.

Although estate planning is a topic most people would prefer to avoid, a well-structured approach can help provide certainty for your loved ones during a very stressful time.

Good advice and planning minimises taxes and duties paid by your estate, and helps minimise the risk of costly and wasteful litigation. Our aim is to create a will, and any other necessary documents, to ensure the successful transfer of assets to your intended beneficiaries in a tax-effective manner.

Our estate planning services include:

• basic wills and estate planning
• business succession planning
• rural estate planning
• preparation of testamentary trust wills and tailored powers of attorney
• establishment of trusts
• advance health directives
• general superannuation advice
• superannuation fund establishment, death benefit nominations and advice.

If you are interested in having us assist you with your estate planning, please access our estate planning portal.

Deceased estates and trust administration

Administering deceased estates can be a complex and time-consuming process at a time of stress and emotion for loved ones. Our comprehensive knowledge of the legal and financial aspects of collecting and distributing estate assets – and the interrelationship between various forms of ownership – will help ensure a smooth and timely transfer of assets to beneficiaries.

Estate litigation and dispute resolution

Despite the best planning, litigation and disputes over estates can and do occur. We can help you navigate these difficult situations to find a desirable outcome as quickly as possible.

To minimise the stress and anxiety for those involved, we aim to deal with disputes effectively, efficiently and sensitively.

We assist clients with:

• contested estates (defending or challenging wills)
• family provision claims
• equitable and trust claims
• unconscionable conduct and undue influence claims
• restitution claims
• breach of contract and breach of promise claims.

Click here to view our latest estate planning and business succession bulletin.