Wills & estates
Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer
Have you considered how your loved ones will be cared for and your assets managed when you’re no longer around?
The first 30 minutes is free, whether or not you appoint us.
The basics
Understanding Wills and Estate Planning
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Wills and Estate Planning involves making crucial decisions about the distribution of your assets, the care of your dependents, and the management of your estate. These processes are governed by specific laws that require careful consideration and professional guidance. Whether you’re drafting a Will, establishing trusts, or planning for potential incapacity, understanding the legal requirements is vital to ensuring your plans are legally sound and enforceable.
Who you would be dealing with
Meet Your Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer
Claire Riddell
Principal Solicitor · practising on the Fraser Coast since 2004
Claire Riddell, our Principal Lawyer, brings extensive expertise and a compassionate approach to her practice. With a deep understanding of family law and a commitment to client-focused service, Claire works closely with you to develop a tailored plan that reflects your wishes and safeguards your family’s future. Her dedication to providing clear, practical advice ensures that you feel confident and informed throughout the planning process.
More about Claire and the teamWhat we do
How Can We Help?
Our comprehensive services include:
- Drafting and Updating Wills: We help you create a legally binding will that outlines your wishes clearly and accurately.
- Estate Planning: Our team provides support in preparing and planning your estate.
- Asset Protection: We guide you through the complexities of establishing a testamentary trust.
- Power of Attorney and Advance Health Directives: We assist in appointing trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- Dispute Resolution: If disputes arise, we offer skilled mediation and litigation services to resolve conflicts effectively.
Why us
Why Choose Us?
Choosing us means you’re choosing a team that truly cares about your future. Our commitment to excellence and personalised service means you’re not just another case – you’re a valued client with unique needs and concerns.
Our team believes in taking the time to understand you, building lasting relationships, and providing ongoing support as your life evolves. Our deep knowledge of the local legal landscape allows us to offer tailored solutions that perfectly match your situation. With us, you can trust that you’ll always feel heard, understood, and well-cared for.
Also in wills & estates
Other ways we can help
- Powers of Attorney Choose who decides for you if you cannot, for money and for personal care.
- Advance Health Directive QLD Your medical wishes in writing, in force only if you can no longer speak for yourself.
- Probate & Estate Administration After someone has died: the grant, the assets, the debts and the distribution.
- Estate Disputes Contesting a will or defending one, and the strict time limits on both.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my will?
You should review and potentially update your will whenever there are significant changes in your life, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation. It’s also a good idea to review your will every few years to ensure it still reflects your current wishes and complies with any changes in the law.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to a statutory formula that sets out a specific order of distribution to the next of kin. The state will determine how your assets are divided, which may not align with your personal wishes.
What should I include in my estate plan?
An effective estate plan typically includes several key components: a Will to specify how your assets should be distributed, a power of attorney to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, and an advanced healthcare directive to outline your medical treatment preferences.
Where to start
Find out where you stand, at no cost
Half an hour with a solicitor, free, with no obligation to appoint us. You will leave knowing your options, what is likely to happen next, and roughly what it will cost.
Or call 07 4125 4818, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Would you rather start in your own time? Begin online.