Planning for the future or managing the affairs of a loved one is a deeply personal matter. That’s why if you are preparing your first Will, updating existing documents, or administering a deceased estate, it is worth seeking guidance from experienced lawyers.
At Aitken Whyte Lawyers, our wills and estate lawyers Brisbane team help clients with every aspect of estate planning, administration and disputes. They provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances, to help you protect your family, your assets and your wishes.
Our Wills and Estate Services
As an accomplished estate law firm, we provide expert legal advice and services to clients that cover every stage of wills and estate matters. This includes the following:
Estate Planning
Our team prepares new Wills, updates existing Wills, drafts codicils, and advises on Enduring Powers of Attorney, General Powers of Attorney, Advance Health Directives, testamentary trusts, and business succession planning. Every comprehensive estate plan is prepared with your current wishes in mind and to reduce the risk of future disputes.
Estate Administration
If you have been appointed as an executor, we can guide you through every stage of administering a deceased estate. Our team assists with Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration, as well as collecting assets, paying debts and distributing the estate in accordance with Queensland law.
Estate Disputes
Our lawyers assist clients involved in family provision claims, contested Wills, executor disputes, trustee disputes and challenges to the validity of a Will. If you are making or defending a claim, we provide expert legal guidance and experienced representation throughout the process.
Estate Planning for Your Stage of Life
As every estate is different, your plan should reflect your circumstances, legal responsibilities, and your family members. This may include:
Young Families
We can help you to nominate guardians for your children, protect their inheritance and ensure your family’s future is secure.
Blended Families
Our team will show you how to reduce the likelihood of future disputes by balancing the interests of your current partner and children from previous relationships.
Adult Children
Our dedicated lawyer can review your estate plan as your family grows and provide comprehensive advice on strategies such as testamentary trusts to protect inherited assets.
People Without Children
The professional support we provide will ensure your estate passes to the people or organisations you choose. Rather than relying on Queensland’s intestacy laws.
Business Owners
We include business succession planning as part of our asset protection and estate litigation services. This allows you to transfer ownership smoothly if you retire, lose capacity or pass away.
People Who Have Lost a Loved One
For those who have lost a loved one, our team of legal professionals provides compassionate support with probate, estate administration and court proceedings.
Why Estate Planning Matters
While a Will is a legal document, it is only one part of a complete estate plan. It does not automatically deal with superannuation, jointly owned property or what happens if you lose capacity. Nor does it necessarily protect an inheritance from bankruptcy, divorce or unnecessary tax.
Through our legal services, you can combine a professionally drafted Will with an Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Health Directive and, where appropriate, a testamentary trust. This will help you to better protect your family, minimise future disputes and make estate administration much easier for your loved ones.
Why Choose Aitken Whyte Lawyers
Since 1995, Aitken Whyte Lawyers has helped hundreds of individuals and families throughout Brisbane and South East Queensland with estate planning, administration, disputes, and other probate matters.
Our legal team offers:
- One firm for every stage – We provide expert guidance on Wills, Powers of Attorney, probate, estate administration and estate disputes.
- Strong litigation experience – Our knowledge of the legal complexities around contested estates allows us to prepare documents that help reduce the risk of future disputes.
- Personal service – Our dedicated team takes the time to understand your circumstances and provide you with expert support and legally sound advice.
- Trusted local lawyers – We are members of the Queensland Law Society, and offer secure storage of your original estate planning documents.
How It Works
We can provide you with expert advice on everything from resolving conflicts and meeting your legal requirements to outlining medical wishes and distributing assets. Here’s how our process works.
1. Book a consultation
The first stage is to meet with one of our senior lawyers to discuss your unique circumstances, family, assets and wishes.
2. Receive tailored advice
After our initial discussion, we’ll explain your options, answer your questions and recommend the estate planning solution that best suits your circumstances.
3. We prepare your documents
Our team prepares a valid Will, Powers of Attorney, and other estate-planning documents. They will ensure they comply with Queensland law.
4. Final signing meeting
We guide you through the signing process and confirm that every document is legally valid.
5. Ongoing support
We can provide you with ongoing comprehensive support, should your circumstances change or you need assistance with probate or estate administration in the future.
Areas We Serve
Our wills and estate lawyers assist clients across Brisbane and South East Queensland. This includes, but is not limited to, Ipswich, Logan, Redland, Redcliffe and Caboolture. If you are unsure whether we service your area, please contact us for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to write my Will in Queensland?
While you can prepare your own Will, it is a good idea to get professional legal advice. This will ensure it is legally valid, truly reflects your wishes and reduces the risk of future disputes.
What happens if I die without a Will in Queensland?
In this circumstance, your estate will generally be distributed according to Queensland’s intestacy laws. This may not reflect your personal wishes or family circumstances.
How often should I update my Will?
It is recommended to update your Will every three to five years, or after major life events such as marriage, separation, the birth of children, purchasing property or starting a business.
Contact Our Brisbane Wills and Estate Lawyers
If you’re preparing your first Will, updating your estate assets plan, administering a deceased estate or seeking advice about an estate dispute, Aitken Whyte Lawyers is here to help.
Our experienced team provides practical, personalised advice that helps make complex legal matters straightforward for all our clients throughout Brisbane and South East Queensland.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
Phone: (07) 3063 6000
Email: enquiries@awbrisbanelawyers.com.au
Office: Brisbane CBD
