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.

Wills & Estates lawyers in Eastern Melbourne, VIC

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.

Working with a firm in Eastern Melbourne

When comparing Box Hill, Ringwood, Glen Waverley and Doncaster firms, look for the practice area that matches the work required. Reviewing a sale contract and handling an existing property dispute are different engagements.

For wills & estates, 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 Eastern Melbourne. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.

How the engagement may progress

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.

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?

Wills & Estates lawyers in Eastern Melbourne

Kenna Barry & Co

HazeLegal

MVAA Legal

Zervos Lawyers

Laino Michael Solicitor

Luna & Xia Lawyers Pty Ltd

Stopline Pty Ltd

Remington Wright & Co

Juris Nexus Lawyers

Lewenberg & Lewenberg Solicitors

Parke Lawyers

Sapling Lawyers Wheelers Hill

Wainwright Ryan Eid

Astute Conveyancing

Nowicki Carbone

Brendan H Hardiman & Associates

Hartleys Lawyers

Advocat

Alter Marcel

Burke & Associates Solicitors

Cleeland & Stevens

Cole (Natalie) Lawyers

DMAC Legal

Forrest Legal

Why wills & estates matters

The Australian context

A practical guide to wills & estates in Eastern Melbourne

Choosing the right kind of assistance

Working with a firm in Eastern Melbourne

How the engagement may progress

Fees and the scope of work

Dates to raise at first contact

Questions to ask a wills & estates adviser

Frequently asked questions

Wills & Estates in other VIC regions

Other lawyers in Eastern Melbourne