Every year, an estimated 40% of Australians pass away without a will or adequate estate planning. This can cause stress and unwanted disputes for those left behind.
If you're looking for tailored help with your will, including the process of probate, then you're in the right place. Read on to find out more about the services of wills and estate lawyers in Sydney.
How can a wills and estate lawyer help me?
A wills and estate lawyer can help you with the management of a will, including any plans you may have for the property you own. This may include:
Drafting a will. A wills and estate lawyer can help you draft the legal document that works out how you will distribute your assets after your death.
Contesting a will. If you feel the will of a deceased person isn't right, a lawyer can help you to challenge it.
Probate and estate management. After your death, a wills and estate lawyer will help your loved ones with the process of probate and finalise the transfer of your property in the manner you've chosen.
Our expert says
"Did you know that if you die without a will (intestate) then the government gets to divvy up your stuff, according to a set formula? Or that when you marry, any existing will you have goes out the window? I didn't, until I got a will set up after I got married! My wife and I wanted to make sure the other would be appropriately looked after if one of us dies unexpectedly. That's sorted now, but we were both kind of shocked to discover it wouldn't be an automatic process if we didn't have a will in place. So if you're over 18, or if you've recently gotten married, make sure you get a will ASAP. "
You may also want to get in touch with some online legal companies. These virtual firms, such as Lawpath or LegalVision, provide access to dozens of online lawyers and legal templates to help you craft your own agreements.
More wills during the pandemic
There was a 33% uptick in people taking one a will during the pandemic. Yet a 2022 survey revealed that 60% of Australians don't have a will. Aussie women were the least likely to have their affairs in order with less than 1 in 3 (31%) with a will, compared to half of men (50%).
How to choose a wills and estate lawyer in Sydney
It's usually a good idea to contact a few different lawyers for some quotes before deciding on the one you want to work with.
Here are a few points to consider while you compare wills and estate lawyers in Sydney:
Research the lawyer. Do a comprehensive Google search on the lawyer. Are there any credible reviews and, if so, how satisfied have the clients been overall?
Approach the right lawyer. Lawyers aren't a "one size fits all" solution. Different lawyers will specialise in different areas of law. Make sure you're after a lawyer who specialises in wills and estate law.
Know their fee structure. Make sure the lawyer is transparent about their fees. Will they charge per hour or as a fixed fee?
Types of support offered. Does the lawyer offer in-person visits or are interactions mainly conducted via email and telephone?
Find out their experience. Has the lawyer handled a matter similar to yours? Don't be afraid to ask the lawyer about previous settlements and experiences.
Communication. As a client, you don't want to be kept in the dark about your case. Ask the lawyer how they prefer to communicate with their clients and how often you might expect to hear from them.
Lukas Reinhardt is a writer at Finder. Lukas has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics from the University of York and a Masters in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cambridge. He’s passionate about all things business, food, and sustainability. See full bio
James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, WIN News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
James's expertise
James has written 212 Finder guides across topics including:
Tips on changing or cancelling your will for your estate.
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