Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers Melbourne & Gold Coast
Protect what matters most. We help individuals, families, and business owners put the right legal structures in place so your wishes are clear, your assets are protected, and your loved ones are looked after.
Who we work with
Individuals and couples: Whether you need a straightforward will, powers of attorney, or a more detailed estate plan, we make sure your wishes are properly documented and legally sound.
Families: Blended families, families with complex asset structures, and those looking to protect beneficiaries through testamentary trusts or tailored estate planning arrangements.
Business owners and family businesses: Business succession planning to make sure ownership, control, and value transfer smoothly when the time comes, without disrupting operations or creating unnecessary disputes.
What we help with
Our wills, estates, and succession planning lawyers advise on a wide range of matters, including:
Preparation of wills (simple and complex)
Testamentary trusts
Powers of attorney (financial and medical)
Appointment of guardians
Estate planning
Business succession planning
Superannuation and death benefit nominations
Trust structuring for estate planning purposes
Blended family estate planning
Estate administration and executor support
Estate litigation and contesting a will
Family provision claims
Enduring powers of guardianship
What the process looks like
Step 1. Tell us about your situation: Get in touch by phone or email. We'll have an initial conversation about your family circumstances, your assets, and what you want to achieve.
Step 2. We explain your options: You'll receive clear advice on the structures available to you, whether that's a simple will, a testamentary trust, powers of attorney, or a more comprehensive estate plan. We'll explain what each one does and why it matters.
Step 3. We scope the work and confirm costs: Before any work begins, you'll receive a clear outline of what's involved, expected timeframes, and transparent pricing.
Step 4. We prepare and review your documents: Your lawyer drafts the documents, walks you through them in detail, and makes any revisions needed to make sure everything reflects your wishes accurately.
Step 5. Execution and safekeeping: We arrange for the documents to be properly signed and witnessed, and advise on safe storage. If your circumstances change down the track, we can update your documents as needed.
Ready to put the right plans in place?
Don't leave it to chance. Talk to one of our estate planning lawyers today and make sure your wishes are protected, your family is looked after, and your affairs are in order.
Melbourne Office: Level 3, 420 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Gold Coast Office: Level 2, 194 Varsity Parade, Gold Coast QLD 4228
Phone: (03) 9098 8702
Email:admin@tmcollins.com.au
We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.
-
Yes. Without a valid will, your assets will be distributed according to intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. A will gives you control over who receives what and can also appoint guardians for minor children.
-
A testamentary trust is a trust created through your will that comes into effect when you pass away. It can provide tax benefits, asset protection for beneficiaries, and greater control over how and when your assets are distributed. It's particularly useful for families with young children, blended families, or significant assets.
-
You should review your will whenever your circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or a change in your wishes. As a general rule, reviewing it every few years is good practice even if nothing obvious has changed.
-
It depends on the complexity. A simple will is generally straightforward and affordable. More complex estate plans involving testamentary trusts, business succession, or blended family considerations will take more time to prepare. We provide transparent pricing upfront so you know what to expect.
FAQs on Wills, Estates & Succession Planning
-
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to. This can cover financial matters, medical treatment, or both. Without one, your family may need to apply to a tribunal for authority to manage your affairs, which can be costly and time-consuming.
-
Yes. If you believe you haven't been adequately provided for in a will, you may be able to make a family provision claim. There are strict time limits for these claims, so it's important to get advice early.
-
If you die without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to state or territory intestacy laws. This may not align with your wishes and can create complications, delays, and disputes for your family.