Wills and Estate Lawyers Sydney – Trusted Advice for Estate Planning, Probate & Contested Wills
Many Australians delay their estate planning until it’s too late — leaving loved ones without clear direction and opening the door to unnecessary legal and financial complications.
At Owen Hodge Lawyers, our experienced Wills and estate lawyers in Sydney can help you take control of your future and protect your family. Whether you need to draft a Will, apply for probate, appoint a Power of Attorney, or contest a Will, we provide clear, cost-effective legal advice to ensure your wishes are legally upheld.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is often left by people until it is too late. However, it is important for you, your estate and family members, and it provides certainty and saves expenses in the long term. A Wills and estate lawyer can ultimately provide you with certainty and peace of mind.
Last Will & Testament
Your will – known more simply as your legal Will – is a legal declaration by which a “testator” (will-maker) enforces their wishes to distribute their assets upon death.
Contesting A Will
The death of a family member or loved one can be an incredibly difficult and stressful time, especially if you believe that you have been inadequately provided for in a Will – or if you have been left out entirely.
Deceased Estate
In the event of the death of a person, their property including real estates and financials is distributed among the beneficiaries keeping in mind the testamentary intention of the deceased person.
Elder Law
In 2006, the amendment in the Family Law Act 1975 (the Act), gave importance to the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Apart from this, it also recognised various rights of grandchildren including their right to meet their grandparents.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of making a Will with a lawyer largely depends on your situation. While a DIY Will may potentially save you money, working with a lawyer will ensure your Will is error-free and a legally binding document.
A beneficiary is a person listed on a Will who is entitled to receive benefits/gifts from a deceased estate. If you’re a beneficiary, learn about the rights of beneficiaries of a Will NSW.
While there is no official reading of a Will in Australia, the executor should administer the estate and read the Will within 12 months of the date of the deceased.
Will planning involves creating a last Will and testament. Estate planning, on the other hand, involves a number of documents that will secure your assets after your death. Estate plans can be beneficial if you own a business, have specific requests, have had more than one marriage or want to donate part of your assets to charity.
Our Will and estate lawyers are also able to advise and assist you in the preparation of Wills and estate planning issues, such as Power of Attorneys and Guardianship appointments. We can also discuss Advance Care Directives with you if you want to leave directions to your guardian should you become incapable of making a health or welfare decision.
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Probate is the legal process where a Will is “proved” to be a valid and true last testament of the deceased. It occurs before an executor can administer a person’s estate and distribute it to the beneficiaries. In order to apply for probate, you need an experienced probate lawyer or trustee company.
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The death of a loved one is a challenging and stressful time, especially if you feel you have been unfairly provided for in a Will (or not provided for at all). If you find yourself in this position, there are legal actions you can take. However, it is important that you know who can contest a Will, because the process can be complicated.
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Effective estate planning gives you certainty and peace of mind — and ensures your family is protected when you’re no longer here. Shockingly, over 40% of Australians die without a valid Will, while many more leave outdated or incomplete documents.
Our estate planning lawyers can assist with:
- Drafting or updating your Will
- Appointing an executor and trustee
- Structuring testamentary trusts or life interests
- Appointing guardians for minor children
- Planning the distribution of your estate
We’ll help ensure your Will reflects your current financial and personal circumstances, so that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Learn more:
- How to write a Will
- Changing your Will
- Capacity to make a Will