Wills & Estates

Wills and estates law helps you plan for the future and manage legal matters after a death. It is about protecting your wishes, your assets, and the people you care about. Whether you are preparing a will, acting as an executor, or dealing with an estate dispute, clear legal guidance can make a difficult process easier to manage.

Through Advisent, you can connect with wills and estates lawyers across Australia who advise on estate planning, probate, and estate administration.

What does wills and estates law cover?

Wills and estates law applies to a wide range of succession and estate matters. Common areas include:

• Preparing and updating wills
• Powers of attorney and enduring guardianship
• Probate and letters of administration
• Estate administration
• Deceased estate disputes
• Family provision applications
• Contesting a will
• Superannuation death benefits
• Testamentary trusts
• Estate planning for blended families

Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with a loved one’s estate, wills and estates law shapes your legal rights and responsibilities.

When should you speak to a wills and estates lawyer?

Many people delay making a will or updating their estate plan. In practice, early planning can prevent disputes, delays, and uncertainty for your family later.

You should consider speaking to a wills and estates lawyer if you are:

• Making your first will
• Updating an existing will
• Entering a new relationship or separating
• Buying or selling significant assets
• Starting a business Appointed as an executor
• Dealing with a deceased estate
• Concerned about a will or inheritance

Early advice helps ensure your wishes are clear and legally effective.

Wills and estate planning

A well-prepared will forms the foundation of your estate plan. It sets out who receives your assets, who will look after your children, and who will manage your estate.

A wills and estates lawyer can help you:

• Prepare a legally valid will
• Appoint executors and guardians
• Plan for the distribution of assets
• Consider testamentary trusts
• Put powers of attorney and guardianship in place
• Plan for changing family circumstances

Good planning reduces the risk of disputes and protects your family’s future.

Probate and estate administration

After a death, the estate must be properly administered. This process can be complex and time-consuming, particularly if there are multiple assets, beneficiaries, or disputes.

A wills and estates lawyer can assist with:

• Applying for probate or letters of administration
• Collecting and valuing estate assets
• Paying debts and liabilities
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Managing superannuation death benefit claims
• Handling communications with beneficiaries

Clear legal guidance can help executors meet their responsibilities with confidence.

Estate disputes and contested wills

Disputes can arise when there is disagreement about a will, the distribution of an estate, or how an estate is being managed. These disputes can be emotionally difficult and legally complex.

Common estate disputes include:

• Contesting a will
• Family provision applications
• Disputes between beneficiaries
• Challenges to the validity of a will
• Executor disputes
• Superannuation and estate entitlement disputes

Not every estate dispute needs to go to court. In many cases, early negotiation and legal advice can lead to resolution without formal proceedings.

Finding a wills and estates lawyer through Advisent

Choosing the right wills and estates lawyer is an important step in protecting your future and your family. Advisent makes it easier to compare and connect with wills and estates lawyers across Australia so you can choose with confidence.

If you need help with a will, estate planning, probate, or an estate dispute, you can connect with a wills and estates lawyer through Advisent.

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