Wills & Estates · Northern Melbourne
2 elder law & aged care firms in Northern Melbourne, Victoria, including Preston, Broadmeadows, Epping, Heidelberg.
2 firms
Eltham, VIC · Northern Melbourne
Carew Gartlan McClelland provides legal services in Eltham, VIC. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Probate & Estate Administration.
Montmorency, VIC · Northern Melbourne
JDF Legal Pty Ltd provides legal services in Montmorency, VIC. Listed practice areas include Probate & Estate Administration, Wills & Estates and Property & Conveyancing.
Older clients and their families often need advice on aged care accommodation contracts, refundable deposits, retirement village agreements, and family arrangements where money is given in exchange for care or housing. Clear documents prevent disputes and protect against financial abuse.
Older Australians face complex decisions about aged care, housing and family money, and are at higher risk of financial abuse.
Aged care is regulated federally under the new Aged Care Act, with accommodation deposits and fees set by Commonwealth rules. Retirement villages and granny flat arrangements are governed by state law and have Centrelink implications.
Understand the next step
Identify the person who needs advice and whether the issue concerns accommodation, finances, decision-making or a dispute. A relative arranging the meeting is not automatically the lawyer’s client.
Ask how the lawyer will manage potential conflicts between relatives and protect the client’s independent wishes.
Preston, Broadmeadows, Epping and Heidelberg cover different parts of Northern Melbourne. For family, housing or employment matters, start with the exact issue and any documents already received rather than choosing by distance alone.
For elder law & aged care, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant VIC experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Northern Melbourne. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
List family members, property, debts, companies, trusts and superannuation. Identify where original documents are held and which assets are jointly owned.
Ask what each document or application would achieve. Confirm which state rules and asset-ownership arrangements need to be considered.
Agree on signing, storage and future reviews, or on the executor’s responsibilities for records and distributions. Identify changes that should prompt further advice.
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.
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.
In Victoria, the Magistrates' Court hears most criminal and minor civil matters, with the County Court and Supreme Court handling more serious cases. Residential tenancy, planning, building and discrimination disputes often go to VCAT. Lawyers are regulated by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner, which also handles complaints.
Good to know
An arrangement where an older person transfers assets or pays money in exchange for a right to live in a family member's home for life. It has Centrelink and family law implications, so get advice.
Most matters start in the Magistrates' Court. More serious cases go to the County Court or the Supreme Court of Victoria. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Practising certificates in Victoria are managed by the Victorian Legal Services Board. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.
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.