Wills & Estates
Lawyers prepare enduring powers of attorney and guardianship appointments so someone you trust can act if you can't.
An enduring power of attorney covers financial decisions and continues if you lose capacity. An enduring guardian or equivalent covers health and lifestyle decisions. Each state has its own forms and witnessing rules, and these documents should be updated when circumstances change.
If you lose capacity without these documents, your family may need to apply to a tribunal to manage your affairs, which is slower and less in your control.
Each state has its own legislation and forms. Enduring guardianship, advance care directives and financial powers are made under state law, and tribunals such as NCAT, VCAT and QCAT appoint guardians or administrators when there's no valid appointment.
Powers of Attorney & Guardianship firms in the directory
460 firms
Bowral, NSW · Southern Highlands & Tablelands
Wilkinson Throsby & Edwards provides legal services in Bowral, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Business & Commercial Law and Property & Conveyancing.
Lilydale, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Williams & Lay Lawyers provides legal services in Lilydale, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Business & Commercial Law.
Rocklea, QLD · Brisbane South & Logan
Williamson & Associates Notary Public provides legal services in Rocklea, QLD. Listed practice areas include Notary Public & JP Services, Property & Conveyancing and Wills & Estates.
Toorak, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Zolis Lawyers provides legal services in Toorak, VIC. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Family Law.
Understand the next step
Explain which decisions you want someone to make and when. Planning documents and an application relating to an existing decision-making difficulty are different kinds of work.
Ask about the rules in the relevant state and the difference between financial, personal and health-related decisions.
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.
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
A tribunal may need to appoint a financial manager or guardian, which is slower and less under your control.
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.
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.
