Wills & Estates

About the service

It is important to ensure that when one passes away or loses capacity, their affairs and Estate is administered in a manner that reflects their wishes. This also is advisable in the case of relationship breakdowns where mere separation does not invalidate any prior Will made by a party or their former partner. 

We can assist by preparing Wills and superannuation binding nominations and putting into place appropriate Estate planning strategies including the creation of testamentary trusts. Drawing on the wide network of accountants, financial planners and skilled barristers we regularly work with, clients are able to understand any taxation implications of the proposed arrangements. We also prepare Enduring and Medical Powers of Attorney to ensure that trusted confidants and family members can step into the shoes of individuals who are unable to make decisions and to access information or to operate bank and superannuation accounts. 

Our prevailing goal is to minimise the risk of costly disputes amongst family members and partners hence planning and strategy are crucial.

Our Wills and Estates practice is spearheaded by one of Melbourne’s most highly respected and experienced practitioners in the field, Malcolm Burrell. We are here to guide you to take away the stress and anguish that will no doubt arise upon the passing of a loved one.

We provide a comprehensive Wills and Estate Service including:

• Drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney and Medical Powers of Attorney;
• Testamentary Planning involving the creation of testamentary trusts to ensure beneficiaries receive their inheritances in a controlled manner;
• Superannuation and Binding Nominations where strategies are put in place for the distribution of superannuation assets;
• Preparing Memorandums of Wishes, Statements of Intentions and Codicils;
• Assisting Executors in estate administration including asset valuations and distributions to beneficiaries and resolving beneficiary disputes;
• Making or Defending claims against Estates;
• Obtaining Grants of Probate across different regions and countries where estates span multiple jurisdictions.

We have over 40 years of experience in handling the administration of Estates and are regularly instructed to obtain Grants of probate.

When litigation is required, we have acted for many Executors and parties seeking to make a claim for family provision (a legal contest to a Will) when they may have been excluded or provided with an inadequate share of the Estate. 

At Vic Rajah Family Lawyers we can handle the full spectrum of Wills and Estates matters, starting from the preparation of a Will, Superannuation Binding Nomination or Powers of Attorney to the administration of the Estate and making or defending family provision claims.