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Estate Planning

Wills and Estate Law Attorneys

We offer a range of estate planning services to ensure that your family members are aware of what you would like to happen to your assets, and in doing so, minimise potential disputes over your estate after your death.
East Coast Law has an experienced team of wills and estate law attorneys with offices across NSW in Newcastle, Maitland, Toukley, Edgeworth, and Port Macquarie. With a legal team that thoroughly understands the many facets of estate law, you can count on our counsel and services to ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as you have planned.

What is estate planning?

Estate planning is the process by which an individual or family arranges the transfer of assets in preparation for death or incapacitation.  Simply put, it allows you to arrange your affairs now, so they can be continued according to your wishes, in the event of your death or serious illness.

Estate planning considers your current assets, superannuation, life insurance policies, pensions and entitlements as well as tax implications and many other factors and creates a detailed and legally binding plan to divide and manage your estate in accordance with your wishes.
We can help you with preparing documents that appoint someone to manage your financial affairs (Power of Attorney) and make decisions about your care and welfare whilst you are alive but no longer capable of making decisions. Often these documents are prepared at the same time that we prepare your will.
In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to prepare a testamentary trust to ensure that your assets are adequately protected for your beneficiaries. This is a complex area of estate planning that requires careful and considered advice.
If one of your family members has passed away we can apply for probate and administer the estate on behalf of the executor of the will. We can also assist you in cases where there is a dispute over the distribution of the estate and the Court is involved.

Wills and Power of Attorney

You, like most people, want peace of mind and certainty about what happens to your assets in the event of your death. Having a well drafted will has become even more important in our ever-changing society. We can make sure that your family members are aware of what you would like to happen to your assets and in doing so minimise potential disputes over your estate after your death.

A testamentary trust is sometimes necessary to ensure your bequests reach your intended recipients. An independent trustee can guarantee that vulnerable beneficiaries, such as very young children or the ill, incapacitated, unstable or disabled, will be provided for.

Probate and Letters of Administration

Probate and Letters of Administration allow for a Court to grant an executor the ability to deal with a deceased persons estate. This is normally when the nominated executor is unable to deal with your estate effectively. 

Family Provisions Claims

The law recognises that sometimes, people who would ordinarily be a beneficiary under a Will may either not be provided for or may be inadequately provided for.

Peace of mind and certainty about what happens to your assets in the event of your death

Holding a comprehensive and legally sound plan for your estate has become increasingly important in our changing society. With the value of assets like property and small businesses soaring, blended families becoming increasingly common, and same-sex marriage gaining legal recognition, planning for what happens to your assets has become far more complex.
Sound estate planning is essential to ensure your assets are managed and distributed the way you want, and fighting between recipients of assets is minimised. East Coast Law’s team of expert wills and estate law attorneys will provide guidance and counsel on the best approach for your estate planning based on your specific needs and desires.
Speak to our team of estate lawyers to create a plan that protects your assets and your family

Our team of conveyancers and solicitors

Paul Bollen
Solicitor / Director
Kevin Byrnes
Senior Solicitor
Vicki Andrews
Senior Solicitor
Simone Johnson
Solicitor
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Kerry Dowling
Conveyancer
Melena Murphy
Legal Assistant
Anabelle Castro
Legal Assistant
April Spriggs
Practice Manager
Michelle Rae
Administration
Hayley Pearson
Reception

Client Testimonials

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