Whether you are making a will, updating an existing will, administering an estate, or dealing with a dispute, VP Lawyers can assist with clear advice and practical solutions.

Wills

A properly prepared will gives you control over what happens to your assets and helps reduce uncertainty for your family. It also allows you to choose the person (or people) you trust to carry out your wishes.

We can help you:

  • prepare a new will or update an existing will
  • appoint executors and, where relevant, guardians for children
  • plan for blended families, second relationships and step-children
  • include gifts to family members, friends and charities
  • establish practical arrangements for vulnerable beneficiaries (including trusts where appropriate)
  • ensure your will is executed correctly and reflects your intentions

While will kits and “do-it-yourself” wills may appear simple, they often create avoidable problems later – unclear wording, invalid execution, unintended outcomes, or disputes that cost the estate time and money. Working with a solicitor helps ensure your will is legally effective, tailored to your circumstances, and easier to administer.

Disputes and challenging a will

Sometimes a will is disputed because of family circumstances, concerns about the will-maker’s capacity, or claims that the will does not make proper provision for an eligible person.

We advise executors and potential applicants in relation to:

  • family provision claims (where an eligible person seeks further provision from an estate)
  • disputes about the validity of a will (including concerns about capacity, undue influence, or execution)
  • caveats and other steps that may affect the issuing of a grant of probate
  • negotiated outcomes and formal agreements to resolve disputes where appropriate

Strict time limits often apply. In South Australia, a family provision application generally must be filed within six months of the grant of probate or letters of administration, and extensions may be limited. Early advice can be important to protect your position.

If you would like to make or update a will, or you are concerned about an estate, contact VP Lawyers to arrange an appointment.