Will and Estate Planning Lawyer

Planning for the future is important, especially when it comes to your family and loved ones. At our law firm, we can assist you with all aspects of wills and estates, including drafting, updating, executing, and challenging wills, obtaining probate or letters of administration, administering deceased estates, and resolving disputes among beneficiaries.

How can we help you?

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Wills and estate planning

We understand that dealing with wills and estates can be complex and emotional, especially when there are family conflicts or special circumstances involved. That is why we offer compassionate, professional, and tailored advice to suit your needs and wishes. We can help you protect your assets, minimise tax implications, avoid potential litigation, and ensure that your legacy is respected and honoured.

Whether you need a simple will or a comprehensive estate plan, we have the expertise and experience to guide you through the process and give you peace of mind. We can also help you with powers of attorney, advance care directives, guardianship orders, and superannuation death benefit claims. We are well-versed in the relevant laws and regulations in Victoria and Australia, and we can advise you on the best options for your situation.

Business succession planning

If you are a business owner, you need to think about what will happen to your business when you retire, become incapacitated, or pass away. Without a clear plan, your business may face uncertainty, disputes, or loss of value. Our lawyers can help you prepare a business succession plan that suits your goals and circumstances. We can advise you on the best structure for your business, draft shareholder agreements, and explore options for transferring ownership within or outside your family. We can also help you minimise tax implications and protect your assets. By having a business succession plan, you can ensure a smooth transition for your business and secure your legacy for the future.

Family business succession planning

One of the most challenging aspects of running a family business is planning for its future leadership and ownership. A well-designed succession plan can help you ensure that your business continues to thrive under the next generation, while preserving your family harmony and minimising tax implications. We have extensive experience in helping family businesses create and execute successful succession plans, taking into account the unique needs and goals of each family.

We handle all aspects of the process with care and professionalism, from valuing the business, to structuring the transfer, to preparing the legal documents. Whether you are looking to retire, sell, or pass on your business to your children or other relatives, we can assist you with every step of the way. Contact us today and let us help you secure the future of your family business.

Estate administration and litigation

If you have been named as an executor or administrator of a deceased estate, or if you are a beneficiary or a potential claimant, we can also assist you with the legal and practical aspects of estate administration and litigation. We can help you obtain the necessary grants from the Supreme Court, liaise with creditors, banks, and other parties, distribute the assets according to the will or the law, and represent you in any disputes or challenges that may arise.

Why choose us?

At our law firm, we are committed to providing high-quality and cost-effective legal services for wills and estates. We offer fixed fees for most matters, and we can also arrange payment plans or deferred fees in some cases. We are happy to meet with you at our office in Caulfield North, Melbourne, or by video or phone if you prefer. Contact us today and let us help you with your wills and estates matters.

Contesting a Will

Even if you have a detailed estate plan that reflects your wishes and intentions, there is a possibility that someone may challenge your will after your death. Our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with estate litigation and disputes, both for executors and for claimants who feel they have been unfairly treated. We can help you resolve the issues efficiently and respectfully, and protect your legacy and your beneficiaries.

Trust Administration

We have a long history of managing trusts and wills with care and diligence, a duty that we take very seriously. Our team has the expertise to ensure that the terms of the trust deed or testamentary trusts in a will are followed, the vision and wishes of the donor/settlor are respected, and importantly, the relationships between family members and other beneficiaries are maintained.

Executor of a Will

When you are named as the Executor of a Will, you are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out the wishes of someone who has passed away. We know that this can be a difficult and stressful time for you, especially if you are also grieving the loss of a loved one. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to assist you with the estate administration process, from obtaining probate to distributing the assets and resolving any disputes. We will support you with compassion and professionalism, and help you fulfil your role as an Executor of a Will.

Beneficiaries with special needs

If you have a beneficiary who may not be able to manage their own affairs due to a disability, an addiction, or any other vulnerability, you may want to consider setting up a Protective Trust in your Will. A Protective Trust is a type of testamentary trust that allows you to appoint a trustee to look after the assets and income of the trust for the benefit of the beneficiary, while also giving the beneficiary some control and access to the trust. This way, you can ensure that your beneficiary is well cared for, without exposing them to the risks of mismanagement, exploitation, or creditors. The following benefits are of particular focus:

The beneficiary can still have a say in how the trust is run, as long as they are capable of making decisions
The beneficiary can access the trust income and capital for their personal needs and expenses, subject to the trustee's discretion
The trust assets are protected from the beneficiary's creditors, family law claims, or unscrupulous third parties
The trust can provide tax advantages, such as income splitting and lower tax rates for minors

Our lawyers can help you create a Protective Trust in your Will that meets your objectives and complies with the legal requirements. We can also advise you on choosing a suitable trustee, drafting the trust deed, and reviewing the trust periodically. Contact us today and let us help you protect your special needs beneficiary with a Protective Trust.

Will and Estate Planning Lawyer

How can we help you?

Wills and Estate Planning

Wills and Estate Planning

Business Succession Planning

Business Succession Planning

Family Business Succession Planning

Family Business Succession Planning

Estate Administration and Litigation

Estate Administration and Litigation

Contesting a Will

Contesting a Will

Trust Administration

Trust Administration

Executor of a Will

Executor of a Will

Beneficiaries With Special Needs

Beneficiaries With Special Needs

Check out our Pricing Options

Wills and estate planning

Business succession planning

Family business succession planning

Estate administration and litigation

Why choose us?

Contesting a Will

Trust Administration

Executor of a Will

Beneficiaries with special needs

We understand that clients seek the right lawyer for their legal matters.

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