How can our wills and estate lawyers help?
Having the right legal advice and support is important to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Our wills and estate lawyers can assist with all of the following:
Contesting a will
Estate administration
Applying for a Grant of Probate
Applying for a Grant of Letters of Administration
Making or updating a will
Making an enduring power of attorney
Contesting a will
Laws exist to ensure a deceased person’s assets are appropriately distributed to those who are eligible.
You may have legal grounds to contest a will if:
You believe the will fails to make adequate provision for you
You can show that the deceased was not of sound mind when they made the will
You believe the deceased was pressured or threatened to sign the will
You were made a promise by the deceased that if you did something for them, they would provide for you in their will
Estate administration
Our wills and estate lawyers can assist you with all aspects of estate administration, allowing you to grieve without having to worry about the legal complexities.
We provide sensitive and considered advice on:
Funeral arrangements
Applying for probate or Letters of Administration
Preserving assets
Gathering assets and paying liabilities
Defending the estate from any legal challenge
Distributing property to beneficiaries
Making or updating a will
An up-to-date will allows you and your family to feel confident your wishes will be respected and carried out upon your passing.
You may want to update your will if you’ve recently experienced:
Marriage or divorce
The birth of children or grandchildren
The death of a beneficiary or executor
A significant change to your financial situation or assets
Our wills and estate lawyers can help you prepare a robust, legally valid will that includes:
How your assets will be distributed
Your preferred burial or cremation arrangements
Your chosen executor
A guardian for your children under 18 years old
Additional case types
Our team of wills and estate lawyers will help you understand all the options available to you in more detail. Depending on the circumstances of your issue, you may also require assistance with:
Need wills and estate legal support?
We’re here to make the legal process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Legal process wills and estate cases
We listen and assess your case confidentially
During your initial obligation-free consultation, in person or over the phone, we’ll take the time to listen and understand your individual needs. We’ll then map out the next steps and explain all the options available to you.
We’ll prepare your matter and keep you informed
Your expert legal team will work with you to gather all the information for your matter. All information will be considered so we can assess your options and provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
If required, we’ll negotiate where appropriate to settle your case
This may involve directly approaching the those involved to engage in informal negotiations outside of the court process. We know that you’ve been through enough. Wherever possible we will seek to minimise any stress this process could have for you and resolve your claim in a way that is sensitive to your needs.
If required, go to court
Only a small percentage of cases result in a court hearing. If this happens, we will be by your side; providing support, compassion and skilled legal representation every step of the way.
Resolve your case
We will passionately work to deliver the outcomes you deserve and maximise your entitlements.
Fees
We do our best up-front to make sure you understand your legal case, including the fees involved.
For the preparation of a standard will, a fixed fee of $500 will apply.
Legal services to contest a will are offered on a No Win, No Fee* basis.
Estate administration is charged at an hourly rate.
During your no-obligation initial consultation, our team will explain the process and outline the fees specific to your situation.
We're here to help
Wills and estate FAQs
Can I represent myself, or do I need a will lawyer?
It is possible to legally represent yourself and prepare a will on your own accord, however, doing so successfully will likely require a thorough understanding of the law, your legal rights and entitlements.
Most people choose not to act for themselves and instead engage a wills and estate lawyer who is an expert in their field and can provide the knowledge and experience required to help guide you are every step of the way.
Why trust Shine to be my wills and estate lawyers?
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services. 95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court. With our 1000+ workforce and business maturity, we have the scale, expertise and agility to take on the tough cases and win.
Where are the wills and estate lawyers from Shine located?
Access to justice is important to us, and when it comes to Shine, location is no barrier. Click here to see all our wills and estate law locations.
