Estates
Estates and estate related matters are an integral part of our trust practice. We specialise in every aspect of estate law from simple will preparation to complex life interest estate administration and estate related litigation. Our estate lawyers are available to discuss your needs with you. Please contact Rod Gillespie.
Wills
The one certainty in life is death. Ensuring your affairs are left in an orderly state and that your expectations are achieved does not happen by accident. A carefully crafted will is a first step to ensuring your intentions are realised. Despite advertising slogans to the contrary your word is not always law. The Property (Relationships) Act 1976, the Family Protection Act 1955 and the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949 provide opportunities for challenges to your will. Often the only certain way of ensuring outcomes is the creation of a trust during your lifetime. Our estates lawyers will review your particular circumstances and advise on the best methods of achieving your wishes. This is often done in the context of a review of asset protection options. See our Trusts page for related information.
If you would like a new will prepared contact Lesley Grant.
Estate Administration
Estate administration commences with obtaining probate of the will (if required) or a Grant of Administration if there is no will. Once administration is obtained estate assets are realised and distributed to beneficiaries. Estate administration is a specialist skill. It is now more complicated than ever before as a result of the ever increasing range of claims that can be made. Our estate solicitors have vast experience with estate administration including the realisation of foreign assets.
Estate Litigation
Dissatisfied spouses, partners, children, grandchildren or service providers for whom inadequate or no provision has been made in a deceased's will may have remedies. The Court can in certain circumstances make provision for them out of the estate. Our estate litigators regularly appear for claimants, estates and trustee companies. If you consider you have been wrongfully excluded from a will or wish to defend an estate claim you need to move quickly as there are strict time limits.
Contact Lesley Grant for an appointment to review your rights.
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