Wills, probate and contested estates in Hadfield

Handling an estate, or contesting one, in Hadfield?

Three quite different jobs sit under this heading. Making a will and a power of attorney is the straightforward one, and the cheapest thing you will ever do to save your family trouble. Administering an estate — applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration, then calling in assets, paying debts and distributing — is procedural work with real deadlines. Contesting a will, or defending one, is litigation: in Victoria an eligible person can bring a family provision claim, and the time limit runs from the grant, so it is short. We do all three, and we will tell you plainly which one you are actually in.

People in Hadfield often come to us after losing a family member, or when they've realised they don't have a will in place. Sometimes an adult child finds themselves managing a parent's affairs without clear documentation, or discovers that a will exists but the estate is complicated—multiple properties, superannuation, or beneficiaries spread across different states. The first practical step is usually to gather what paperwork you have: the will itself (if one exists), bank statements, property deeds, insurance documents, and details of any debts. If someone has died, you'll want to collect the death certificate and a list of people who might be entitled to receive something. If you're planning ahead, it helps to think about who you want to leave things to and whether there are any particular items or wishes you want recorded.

Wills, probate & estates in Hadfield — FAQs