02 9755 9955
- Will Preparation and Updates: Drafting new Wills and reviewing existing documents to ensure they continue to reflect your family circumstances, beneficiaries, and financial position.
- Estate Planning Reviews: Assessing whether your current arrangements remain appropriate following marriage, separation, retirement, business succession planning, or major asset acquisitions.
- Enduring Powers of Attorney: Establishing legal authority for trusted individuals to manage financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so.
- Enduring Guardianship Appointments: Preparing documents that allow nominated persons to make lifestyle, accommodation, and healthcare decisions on your behalf.
- Probate and Estate Administration: Assisting executors with administering estates, obtaining probate where required, and managing legal obligations throughout the process.
- Estate Disputes and Family Provision Claims: Advising clients involved in contested estates, inheritance disputes, and claims regarding adequate provision from an estate.
- Advice is tailored to circumstances involving blended families, dependent beneficiaries, investment properties, family businesses, and complex asset ownership arrangements.
- Estate planning strategies are designed to provide clarity for both beneficiaries and the people responsible for administering an estate.
- Legal documents are carefully prepared to reduce ambiguity and minimise the risk of future disputes.
- Our team assists with succession planning considerations involving property, superannuation interests, business assets, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
- Clients receive clear explanations of their options without unnecessary legal complexity.
- Ongoing advice is available when family structures, financial positions, or estate planning objectives change over time.
Contact our team today to discuss your estate planning needs in Abbotsbury.
What happens if an executor does not carry out their duties properly?
Beneficiaries may have legal options if an executor fails to administer an estate appropriately, causes unreasonable delays, or acts contrary to their legal responsibilities.
Should I update my Will after purchasing property?
Yes. Acquiring significant assets such as property is often a good reason to review your estate planning arrangements to ensure they continue to reflect your intentions and asset structure.
Can someone challenge a Will if they were left a smaller share than expected?
Possibly. Certain eligible individuals may be entitled to make a family provision claim if they believe adequate provision has not been made for their proper maintenance and support.
What is the difference between an executor and a beneficiary?
An executor is responsible for administering the estate and carrying out the instructions contained in the Will, while a beneficiary is entitled to receive a benefit from the estate.
Do superannuation benefits automatically form part of an estate?
Not always. Whether superannuation forms part of an estate depends on the fund rules, nomination arrangements, and the circumstances of the deceased member.
Can a Will include instructions for the care of pets?
Yes. While pets cannot directly inherit assets, a Will can include arrangements for their ongoing care and may allocate funds to support their welfare after the owner's passing.
How often should estate planning documents be reviewed?
As a general guide, estate planning documents should be reviewed following significant life events such as marriage, separation, retirement, the birth of children, major property acquisitions, or substantial changes in financial circumstances.
