Wills, Probate, Estates & Disputed Estates

Who needs an estate plan? Everybody!

Planning ahead to ensure your financial, medical and lifestyle affairs are looked after when you are gone or can no longer look after yourself can be difficult, but it can also bring peace of mind.

Having an estate plan means you can be sure your assets will be managed and distributed according to your wishes.

An estate plan is particularly important for families with complex needs, such as those involving second marriages or loved ones with special needs. It’s also important where there is a history of, or the potential for, family disputes.

What is estate planning?

Although it includes the preparation of a valid Will, effective estate planning goes far beyond one single document. An estate plan gives you the opportunity to:

• nominate someone to act on your behalf if you become unable to make your own decisions
• use trusts or other structures to protect your assets and gain tax benefits
• protect vulnerable family members
• protect and provide for loved ones with a disability or special needs, including young children
• specify arrangements for the smooth transfer of your business interests.
• donate to charity

Your estate planning needs should be reviewed every few years or when there are significant changes to your circumstances.

Estate planning documents (including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardian) are the tools that are used to implement the strategies that are developed as part of the estate planning process. Without a structured plan in place, the use of these documents alone are unlikely to deliver the most efficient and effective outcome.

Our estate planning lawyers can work with you to tailor an estate plan to your individual circumstances – making sure your wealth is managed and distributed according to your wishes.

Don’t leave it to chance – have a plan in place and make sure your assets are managed and distributed the way you want.

Need help in administering a deceased estate? Let us provide the support you need in this difficult time.

Losing a loved one is hard, and administering a deceased estate at what can be a difficult time can be demanding and emotionally draining.

In providing estate administration services, we;

• Determine if it is necessary to obtain probate,
• Obtain probate or letters of administration and
• Administer the estate in line with the wishes of the deceased.

If you are in need of assistance in administering the estate of your loved one please contact us today.

Challenging a Will? We can help with that too.

Sometimes a relative, loved one or dependent may not receive what they were expecting from a deceased person’s Will. Did you know they may make a claim under the Succession Act to have a Court make amendments to the Will to ensure that adequate provision is made?

We are very experienced in estate dispute matters and can represent you through what can be a very complex and stressful time. If you believe you are entitled to receive a share of a deceased person’s estate, please contact us to discuss.

We provide clients with expert solutions.

Our team is highly experienced in estate matters and are committed to giving you personalised, efficient and professional service.

Contact us today for assistance with all your estate needs.