Estates
Thoughtful estate planning is about more than just preparing a Will. It’s about protecting your family, preserving your wealth, safeguarding your business interests, and ensuring your legacy is passed on in the way you desire.
Planning today, protecting tomorrow. Our Estates division helps individuals, families, business owners, and high-net-worth clients navigate the complexities of succession with confidence.
Wills & estate
planning
A well-structured estate plan provides certainty and minimises the risk of future disputes. We specialise in Wills and Testamentary Trusts, family trusts, superannuation and SMSFs, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Guardianship, Advance Health Directives, asset protection and wealth preservation strategies, and estate structuring for blended families.
Estate administration
& probate
Navigating the legal requirements after a loss can be overwhelming. We assist executors and families with probate and Letters of Administration, full estate administration and asset distribution, and guidance on executor duties and complex estate matters.
Business succession
planning
For business owners, your enterprise is often your most significant asset. We develop strategies that facilitate a smooth transition of leadership while protecting business value, including family business transitions and management buy-outs, shareholder succession and Buy-Sell Agreements, ownership transfer and exit planning, and succession funding and governance frameworks.
Estate disputes
& resolution
When disputes arise, we focus on achieving efficient, commercially sensible outcomes, helping clients challenge or defend Wills, manage family provision claims, and resolve trust and beneficiary disputes. As specialist litigators, we're well equipped to handle any estate dispute, no matter the complexity or value.
Trusts & asset protection
We advise on sophisticated structures designed to provide long-term protection, assisting with tax-effective wealth transfer, protecting inheritances from external claims, providing for vulnerable or minor beneficiaries, and family wealth preservation across multiple generations.
What you can expect
Our approach to estates
Good estate planning is about more than a Will, it's about protecting your family, your wealth, and the legacy you've built. We work closely with individuals, families, and business owners to create clear, considered plans, partnering with your financial and tax advisers where needed so nothing is left to chance.
Whether you're planning ahead or navigating the administration of an estate, we bring care and clarity to matters that are often deeply personal.
Approach
Mitch and Peter have been excellent. They went above and beyond for me. They are easily reachable and their work is flawless. I will be recommending them to anyone.
Estates questions
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions our clients often ask us before we start working together. Head on over to our FAQs page for more.
A testamentary trust can provide a protective layer for inherited assets. It can help shield assets from risks such as relationship breakdown, creditor claims or poor financial decision-making by a beneficiary. Because every family is different, its effectiveness depends on how the trust is structured and managed. We can help you tailor a solution that provides the right balance of control, and protection for your beneficiaries.
A properly drafted will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and allows you to nominate trusted executors and guardians for minor children. Without one, your estate is dealt in accordance with specific laws in Western Australia called intestacy law, which may not reflect your intentions.
When a person dies without a valid Will, they are considered to have died intestate. In these circumstances, an administrator is appointed to manage and distribute the deceased's estate in accordance with the Administration Act 1903 (WA). Intestacy laws determine who is entitled to inherit the estate and how assets are distributed. If you or a loved one needs assistance preparing a valid Will or navigating an intestate estate, seeking legal advice as early as possible can help ensure the matter is resolved efficiently and in accordance with the law.
You should review your will and estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, separation, having children, buying property, receiving an inheritance or starting a business. Regular reviews help ensure your will remains valid and reflects your current circumstances. We generally recommend updating a will every 2 to 3 years for it to be as accurate as possible.
A testamentary trust is a trust created through your will that takes effect after your death. It can provide greater control over how assets are managed and distributed, particularly for children, vulnerable beneficiaries or significant family wealth.
Asset protection involves structuring your estate plan to manage risks affecting family wealth, businesses and inherited assets. This may include testamentary trusts, carefully chosen executors and trustees, superannuation nominations, and succession arrangements for business interests.
