Hire the right estate planning lawyer

Get fixed-price quotes from estate planning lawyers to assist with wills and trusts.

Trusted by over 400,000 Australians

★★★★★ 5/5

Verified reviews by

★★★★★ 5/5

Verified reviews by

★★★★★ 5/5

Verified reviews by

How it works

STEP 1

Set up a free Lawpath account and tell us what you need via an easy online form

STEP 2

We’ll generate a free, verified quote based on your needs

STEP 3

Hire the best lawyer for your business

Looking for on-demand legal advice all year round?

Join our Legal Advice Plan to get unlimited access to legal consultations for one low annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wills and estate lawyers?

A wills and estates lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in the areas of law that deal with the creation, management, and distribution of a person's assets and property after their death. These lawyers are well-versed in the legal intricacies surrounding wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration. They work closely with clients to develop comprehensive estate plans that protect their assets, minimise tax liabilities, and ensure that their final wishes are carried out as intended.

Why are wills and estate lawyers important?

Wills and estates lawyers play a crucial role in helping individuals and families navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding the management and distribution of assets after a person's death. These specialised legal professionals are dedicated to ensuring that their clients' final wishes are respected and that their loved ones are provided for in accordance with their desires.

What types of cases are handled by wills and estate lawyers?

Wills and estates lawyers handle a wide range of cases related to the management and distribution of a person's assets after their death. Some of the most common types of cases they deal with include:

• Drafting and executing wills: Wills and estates lawyers help clients create legally binding wills that clearly outline their final wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the care of their dependents.
• Establishing trusts: Lawyers in this field can assist clients in setting up various types of trusts, such as revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and charitable trusts, to protect their assets and minimise tax liabilities.
• Probate and estate administration: When a person dies, their estate must go through the probate process, which involves validating the will and distributing assets according to its terms. Wills and estates lawyers guide clients through this process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the deceased's wishes are carried out.
• Guardianship: In cases where an individual becomes incapacitated and unable to manage their own affairs, wills and estates lawyers can help family members establish guardianship to protect the individual's interests. • Estate litigation: When disputes arise over the validity of a will or the distribution of assets, wills and estates lawyers represent clients in court to resolve these conflicts and ensure that their rights are protected.

What skills and qualities do wills and estate lawyers need to possess?

To be successful in this field, wills and estates lawyers must possess a unique combination of legal expertise, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence. Some of the key skills and qualities they need include:

• In-depth knowledge of wills and estates law: Wills and estates lawyers must have a thorough understanding of the complex legal principles and regulations governing the creation, management, and distribution of assets after a person's death.
• Attention to detail: Drafting wills and establishing trusts requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the client's wishes are accurately reflected in the documents.
• Empathy and compassion: Wills and estates lawyers often work with clients who are facing difficult and emotionally charged situations, such as the loss of a loved one. They must be able to approach these situations with sensitivity, empathy, and compassion.

What are some challenges wills and estate lawyers are faced with?

Wills and estates lawyers face a number of unique challenges in their practice, including:

• Dealing with family dynamics: Estate planning and administration often involve complex family dynamics and emotional conflicts. Lawyers in this field must be skilled at navigating these sensitive issues and finding solutions that balance the interests of all parties involved.
• Keeping up with changing laws and regulations: The laws and regulations governing wills and estates are constantly evolving, and lawyers in this field must stay up-to-date with these changes to ensure that their clients' estate plans remain valid and effective.
• Managing client expectations: Clients often have unrealistic expectations about the estate planning process or the distribution of assets after a loved one's death. Wills and estates lawyers must be able to manage these expectations and provide clear, realistic guidance to their clients.

How do wills and estate lawyers help clients deal with sensitive matters?

Wills and estates lawyers play a critical role in helping clients navigate the sensitive and emotionally charged issues surrounding death and the distribution of assets. They provide a compassionate and understanding presence, listening to their clients' concerns and helping them make informed decisions about their estate plans. Lawyers in this field also serve as mediators and problem-solvers, working to resolve conflicts and find solutions that balance the interests of all parties involved.

Do I need a wills and estate lawyer?

There are certain circumstances where it might be useful for you to seek advice from a wills and estates lawyer, including:

• You want to create a will or trust: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death, you should work with a wills and estates lawyer to create a legally binding will or trust.
• You have a complex estate: If you have a large or complex estate, involving multiple properties, businesses, or investments, you may benefit from the guidance of a wills and estates lawyer to minimise tax liabilities and ensure that your assets are protected.
• You are facing a dispute over an estate: If you are involved in a conflict over the validity of a will or the distribution of assets after a loved one's death, a wills and estates lawyer can represent your interests and help resolve the dispute.

How much do wills and estate lawyers charge?

The fees charged by wills and estates lawyers vary depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience and reputation. Some lawyers charge hourly rates, while others offer flat fees for specific services, such as drafting a will or establishing a trust. In general, clients can expect to pay several hundred to several thousand dollars for comprehensive estate planning services.

What are some trends and developments in wills and estate law practice?

The field of wills and estates law is constantly evolving, with new trends and developments emerging in response to changing social, economic, and technological conditions. Some of the key trends and developments in this field include:

• The rise of digital assets: With more and more people owning digital assets, such as online accounts, cryptocurrencies, and intellectual property, wills and estates lawyers are increasingly being called upon to help clients plan for the management and distribution of these assets after their death.
• The increasing use of technology: Wills and estates lawyers are increasingly using technology to streamline their practices and improve client service, from online document storage and collaboration tools to virtual meetings and electronic signature capabilities.

Here's what people say about Lawpath

Startup

"I really like the flexibility for having all the documentation available...it's been very useful." Read more

Startup

"Lawpath's been great as a tool to use for the odd job here and there...all the way through to more larger scale involved jobs." Read more

Consulting

“Lawpath allows me to handle the legal sides of both businesses with ease and confidence.”

Consulting

"it's really helpful to ask any advice that I need"

Startup

"Save yourself the time, save yourself the money. They're very good at what they do, and ultimately it's just a useful tool to have in your arsenal as a business" Read more

Startup

"Call up Lawpath, go on the website, figure out who can help you just to make sure that you have full transparency and knowledge of how that's going to impact you."

Construction

"Learning about what contracts you need before you start a job was made easy with Lawpath." Read more

Startup

"The specific features I like about the Lawpath plan would definitely be able to within a day's notice, generally get on the phone for up to half an hour with one of the lawyers. "

Consulting

"It’s made it easier to put things in writing instead of, oh, I'll get back to you on that. Saves me time in admin, which in turn I'm using to be able to do more stuff."