Wills and estates lawyers prepare wills and powers of attorney, administer estates after a death, and act in disputes over inheritances.
firms
2,888
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A properly drafted will is the simplest way to decide who receives your assets and who looks after your children. Estate lawyers also prepare enduring powers of attorney and guardianship appointments, so someone you trust can act for you if you lose capacity. After a death, they help executors apply for probate, collect assets, pay debts and distribute the estate. When a family member believes they were left without adequate provision, estate litigators act on either side of the claim. Each state has its own succession laws and time limits.
Why wills & estates matters
Most Australians don't have an up-to-date will, and disputes over estates are rising as property values climb.
The Australian context
Succession law is state-based, so the rules on wills, probate and family provision claims differ by state, while superannuation follows federal rules.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Footscray, VIC · Western Melbourne
★★★★★★★★★★4.6(563)Google rating from 563 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
State Trustees provides legal services in Footscray, VIC. Listed practice areas include Probate & Estate Administration, Wills & Estates and Powers of Attorney & Guardianship.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Yagoona, NSW · Southern Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(373)Google rating from 373 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Karnib Law Group provides legal services in Yagoona, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Wills & Estates+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Business & Commercial Law · Partner & Family Visas · Family Law · Criminal Law · Employment Law
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Thebarton, SA · Adelaide Metro
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(246)Google rating from 246 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Williams Barristers and Solicitors provides legal services in Thebarton, SA. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Criminal Law and Family Law.
Wills & Estates+7 moreCriminal Law · Family Law · Traffic Offences · Probate & Estate Administration · Partner & Family Visas · Divorce & Separation · Administrative & Government Law
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Padstow, NSW · Southern Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(227)Google rating from 227 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
DF Legal provides legal services in Padstow, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Business & Commercial Law.
Wills & Estates+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Business & Commercial Law · Probate & Estate Administration · Commercial Property & Leasing · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Powers of Attorney & Guardianship · Residential TenancyFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Bankstown, NSW · Southern Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(207)Google rating from 207 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
AKN & Associates provides legal services in Bankstown, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Immigration & Visas.
Wills & Estates+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Immigration & Visas · Criminal Law · Business & Commercial Law · Family Law · Planning & Environment · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts
Understand the next step
A practical guide to wills & estates
Choosing the right kind of assistance
Planning your affairs, administering an estate and challenging an inheritance are different engagements. Explain your role: will-maker, executor, beneficiary, attorney or concerned relative. Ownership and family relationships help the lawyer identify the necessary work and any conflicts between the people involved.
How the engagement may progress
01
List family members, property, debts, companies, trusts and superannuation. Identify where original documents are held and which assets are jointly owned.
02
Ask what each document or application would achieve. Confirm which state rules and asset-ownership arrangements need to be considered.
03
Agree on signing, storage and future reviews, or on the executor’s responsibilities for records and distributions. Identify changes that should prompt further advice.
Fees and the scope of work
Compare a simple-will quote with more involved planning or estate administration. Ask about searches, applications, valuations and coordination with an accountant.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Provide the date of death and any estate correspondence promptly. Ask about relevant deadlines before distributing assets, signing a release or assuming a dispute can wait.
Questions to ask a wills & estates adviser
Does the scope address assets outside my own name?
Who is the client if relatives attend together?
What information is needed before documents can be finalised?
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does a will cost?
Many firms offer simple wills for a fixed fee. Wills involving trusts, blended families, business interests or overseas assets cost more because they need more planning.
Can I contest a will?
Close family members, and some others who depended on the person who died, can apply for a greater share if they were not adequately provided for. Strict time limits apply, often within months of the death, and they differ between states.
What does an executor do?
An executor locates the will, applies for probate if needed, gathers the assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes what is left according to the will. Lawyers can do most of this work for them.
