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WILLS, ESTATE PLANNING & DECEASED ESTATES

Our Wills, Estate Planning & Deceased Estates Services

Wills and Estate Planning

Deceased Estates

Estate Disputes

As experienced wills and estate lawyers, we understand your need for transparency, and we will always be open with our processes and fees. With our proven track record of delivering results for individuals, you can trust you are in safe hands. Speak to our qualified wills and estates lawyers to find out how we can help you today.

 Our team take the time to understand your circumstances and objectives and tailor a solution for you to achieve your outcomes in providing for your family and enabling smooth succession of your estate assets.  It is important to properly consider and design strategies and structures to protect and plan the management of your assets, both during your life and after your death.

We know that, sometimes there can be disagreements in a family or some family members can feel that the distribution of an estate is unbalanced.  We can assist to reduce the chance of those disputes at the outset by designing a thoughtful succession and estate management structure including a Will or testamentary trust, but if those types of disputes do occur, our estate litigation lawyers can guide you through the process and assist to achieve a sensible outcome with a minimum of fuss.  Our focus is on providing practical and helpful guidance and reducing the impact and strain on you and your loved ones.

Our team can assist you with:

  • advice on business and family succession structures,

  • preparation of simple and complex Wills and testamentary trust arrangements,

  • succession and estate planning advice and structures,

  • management of family disputes and contested Wills,

  • Powers of Attorney and other structures to assist flexibility with your personal and business affairs,

  • estate administration, Probate and Letters of Administration, and

  • restructuring

We understand your need for transparency, and we will always be open with our processes and fees. We provide results for individuals and businesses, so you can trust you, and your assets are in safe hands.  Speak to our estate planning lawyers to find out how we can help you today.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

Richard Hamilton
Director
Stuart Wilson
Director
Peter Lumb
Associate Director
Andrew Meiliunas
Associate Director
Andrew Lumb
Special Counsel
Greg Doran
Associate Director
Steph Chafer
Lawyer

EXPERIENCED WILLS, ESTATE PLANNING & DECEASED ESTATES LAWYERS

Nevett Ford has been providing expert legal services for over 150 years, offering tailored advice and assistance in all matters related to wills, estate planning, and deceased estates. As one of Melbourne’s longest-running law firms, our experienced lawyers are dedicated to protecting your assets, ensuring your estate is administered smoothly, and safeguarding your family’s future.

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Why Choose Our Wills and Estates Lawyers in Melbourne?

Choosing the right lawyer for your wills and estates matters is essential for ensuring your wishes are honoured and your assets are protected. Our team of wills and estates lawyers in Melbourne brings decades of experience in creating and managing estate plans that are tailored to your unique needs. With a strong reputation for delivering practical and transparent legal services, we offer personalised solutions, ensuring that your estate is managed efficiently and in accordance with your wishes. Our focus is always on providing peace of mind to our clients, every step of the way.

Comprehensive Will and Estate Planning Services

Nevett Ford offers a full range of will and estate planning services to cover all aspects of estate management. Whether you're looking for assistance in preparing a simple will, establishing testamentary trusts, or developing complex succession plans, our team is equipped to handle it all. We provide expert advice on structuring your estate to reduce family disputes, and ensure that your assets are passed on according to your wishes. Our wills and estates lawyers in Melbourne are committed to providing comprehensive and effective solutions to help you secure your future and that of your loved ones.

The Importance of Professional Estate Planning

Estate planning is a vital step in managing your wealth, ensuring your assets are protected, and providing clear instructions for your family after your passing. Professional estate planning helps to reduce potential disputes, minimise tax liabilities, and ensure a smooth transfer of assets. It also provides clarity in the event of incapacity, ensuring your wishes are followed. By working with our experienced wills and estates lawyers, you can create a solid estate plan that protects your interests and secures the future for your family and loved ones.

Steps to Create a Legally Valid Will in Melbourne

Creating a legally valid will in Melbourne involves several essential steps, and having the right legal guidance is crucial. Our experienced wills and estates lawyers will help you through the process, which typically includes:

  • Assessing your assets and identifying your beneficiaries.
  • Deciding on guardianship for minor children, if applicable.
  • Appointing executors to carry out your wishes.
  • Creating clear instructions for asset distribution.
  • Reviewing your will regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

By working with Nevett Ford’s lawyers, you can be confident that your Will will be legally valid, ensuring your wishes are properly documented and executed.

Affordable and Reliable Wills and Estates Services

Nevett Ford understands the importance of clear, cost-effective legal services. Our will and estate services are designed to be affordable, ensuring that all individuals and families can access professional advice. Whether you're preparing a simple will or need more complex estate planning, we offer reliable, transparent pricing, so you know exactly what to expect. We are committed to delivering practical, results-driven solutions, giving you peace of mind that your estate is in good hands.

Protect Your Family’s Future with Expert Legal Advice

Protecting your family’s future starts with comprehensive estate planning. Our expert wills and estates lawyers in Melbourne work closely with you to create strategies that safeguard your wealth and ensure your wishes are carried out. Whether it's structuring your estate to minumise family disputes or preparing a plan for future generations, our legal team offers the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions. With Nevett Ford, you can secure your family’s future with confidence.

What to Expect from Our Will and Estate Lawyers

When you choose Nevett Ford’s wills and estates lawyers, you can expect clear, professional, and responsive service. We take the time to understand your unique needs and goals and provide customised solutions that reflect your wishes. Our team is dedicated to making the estate planning process as smooth and straightforward as possible, offering practical advice and keeping you informed every step of the way. Whether you're dealing with wills, estate planning, or deceased estates, you can trust that we will guide you through the process with care and expertise.

FAQs

What is the role of a wills and estates lawyer?
A wills and estates lawyer helps individuals plan and manage their estates, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after death. They provide expert advice on creating a valid will, setting up trusts, minimising tax liabilities, and addressing potential legal challenges. These lawyers also assist in estate administration, handling probate, and resolving disputes that may arise among beneficiaries or executors. Their role is to ensure that the estate is managed efficiently and in line with the client’s intentions.
Why should I hire a Melbourne-based wills and estates lawyer?
Hiring a Melbourne-based wills and estates lawyer ensures that you receive expert advice specific to Victoria’s estate laws and regulations. Melbourne-based lawyers are familiar with local legal requirements, probate procedures, and the intricacies of estate administration in this jurisdiction. They offer tailored solutions, considering the local context of your estate and can guide you through any legal complexities you might face in Melbourne. Their local knowledge is invaluable for ensuring that your estate planning and management processes are handled correctly and efficiently.
How much does it cost to hire a wills and estates lawyer in Melbourne?
The cost of hiring a wills and estates lawyer in Melbourne depends on the complexity of the services required. For a simple will, the cost is generally lower, while more complex estate planning, including the creation of trusts, business succession planning, or resolving estate disputes, may incur higher fees. At Nevett Ford, we offer transparent pricing and ensure you understand the costs upfront. We work with you to provide affordable solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your estate matters are handled professionally without unnecessary costs.
How can will and estate lawyers in Melbourne help with disputes?
Wills and estates lawyers in Melbourne can help resolve disputes that arise during the estate administration process. These disputes may involve challenges to the validity of a will, disagreements between beneficiaries, or conflicts with executors. Estate lawyers provide expert legal advice, help negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court if necessary. Their role is to minimise conflicts and ensure that the estate is distributed according to the deceased’s wishes and the law.
What is the role of an executor purusunt to estate law?
An executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions outlined in a deceased person’s will. This includes managing and distributing the estate’s assets, paying off any debts or taxes, and ensuring the proper administration of the estate. Executors must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and follow the legal requirements set out in the will. Wills and estates lawyers can assist executors by offering guidance on their duties, helping them navigate the probate process, and ensuring they fulfill their legal obligations correctly.
Can a Melbourne lawyer help with establishing a power of attorney?
Yes, a Melbourne lawyer can help establish a power of attorney, a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Wills and estates lawyers in Melbourne provide expert advice on creating a valid power of attorney, whether for personal or business matters. They ensure that the document is legally binding and reflects your wishes, offering peace of mind that your affairs will be managed according to your instructions in the event of incapacity.

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