Whether you are the executor of an estate, a family member who has been left out of a will, or someone finally getting their own affairs in order, we act for people in Somerton and across Melbourne's north.
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 Somerton often come to us after someone has died without a will, or when a will exists but the family is unsure how to proceed. Sometimes there's disagreement between relatives about what was intended, or uncertainty about who should handle the estate. Before you meet with a lawyer, gather the deceased's documents—birth and marriage certificates, the will if one exists, details of bank accounts and property, and a list of anyone who might have a claim. Write down the names and contact details of immediate family members. If there's already tension in the family, jot down what you understand to have happened and what concerns you most. We can then walk through what comes next and what your role might be.
Tell us where the estate stands. We'll set out what has to happen, in what order, and what it will cost.
Leave your name and number — we call you straight back, usually within 2 minutes (8am–8pm), to understand your situation and book you in with the right lawyer. No cost, no obligation. Outside those hours we'll text you and call first thing.
We meet clients online right across Victoria — or in person at 911 High Street, Reservoir VIC 3073.
Get directions →☎ 0485 055 567