Wills and estates (Inheritance law)

Following the passing of a loved one, a person is generally appointed in the deceased’s Will as an executor.  This person is responsible for administering the deceased's estate in accordance with the terms of their Will.

The executor is obliged to gather the assets of the deceased, finalise any outstanding debts and conduct other duties.

If the deceased does not have a Will, someone will be required to act as an administrator and the ‘Rules of Intestacy’ apply.

For someone coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, managing deceased estates can feel like an overwhelming responsibility. 

Our wills and estates lawyers on the Gold Coast can assist you to navigate the Estate Administration process and distribute the deceased estate as per your obligations as an executor.

Preparing a Will can be complex. If you already have a Will, it is important to review this regularly to ensure it is always up-to-date so that when the time comes, your Executor can managed the deceased estates of you and/or your partner with as little stress as possible.

Situations that may prompt a change include:

• marriage and divorce;
• the birth of children or grandchildren;
• the death of a beneficiary or executor; or
• a significant change to your financial situations or assets.

Our Wills and Estates Lawyers at BDG Legal can guide you through the steps necessary to ensure your Will is legally valid and adequate reflects your wishes.  We will not just include anything you request, but will advise you whether your Will is likely to stand up to scrutiny if it is challenged after your death.  

This means you have the advice you need to ensure your Estate can be managed effectively when you pass away.  This is especially important if you have children who are still minors and who will require someone to look after them and manage any funds you leave to them until the reach an age of majority. 

If you have been left out of a Will or feel your interests have not been adequately addressed, you may have legal grounds for contesting a Will. 

For a Will to be contested as part of a deceased estate, certain criteria need to be met. 

Strict time limits apply, so it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible.  

At BDG Legal on the Gold Coast we work quickly to provide you with a realistic assessment of whether you have grounds to contest a Will of deceased estates.