Wills and Estates Lawyers Melbourne
We help individuals, families and business owners make informed decisions about their future, manage the complexities of inheritance and protect what matters most.
We Make the Complex Simple, Giving You Total Peace of Mind.
We're a Melbourne-based Wills and Estates practice built on a simple belief: you deserve clear, compassionate advice and the confidence that your wishes are respected, your family provided for, and your legacy protected.
Because the work we do is deeply personal, we are intentionally small by design. This allows us to provide the time, care and attention every matter deserves.
Whether you're planning your future, navigating probate and Estate administration, or resolving an inheritance dispute, we handle the complex legal heavy lifting so you don't have to.
How We Protect You, Your Family, and Your Assets
Making a Will
So your family knows exactly what you wanted, not what they assume.
Power of Attorney Documents
Because someone has to make decisions if you can't, and it should be someone you choose.
Business Succession Planning
So your business outlives you, on your terms, not by accident.
Retirement Village Contracts
The fine print on a big decision, reviewed before you commit, not after.
Deceased Estates
We handle the paperwork of loss, so your family can grieve in peace.
Estate Disputes
We fight unfair outcomes, so your family gets what's rightfully theirs.
Why Our Clients Recommend Our Personal Approach
I am glad I came across this wonderful firm and was happy to drive from the other side of Melbourne to see them, it was worth it! Wishing them all the best for the future.
It’s not the easiest when making a Will but the empathy, with factual information and support from Nadya, made it really easy and seamless for me. Thank you!
She was really thorough and her communication was excellent. We really appreciate it.
I truly appreciate their professionalism, expertise, and compassion every step of the way, and I always felt supported. Thank you for everything you have done.
Thank you both for making this process so seamless and easy to understand. You both are the best!
Your life’s work deserves a secure future.
From protecting your assets and loved ones to navigating the complexities of inheritance, our Wills & Estates specialists provide thoughtful advice across all stages of your Estate journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We offer fixed-fee estate planning services for most matters, including Wills, testamentary trust Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Estate planning packages and Grants of Representation (Probate and Letters of Administration).
We will discuss your needs, recommend the right solution, and provide a clear fixed fee before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
As a general rule, you should review your Estate plan every 3 to 5 years, or whenever a major life milestone occurs. We recommend an immediate review if you experience:
1. Marriage, separation, or divorce
2. The birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
3. Buying or selling major assets, businesses, or real estate in Melbourne or interstate
4. Changes in your family trust structures or Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)
5. A change in financial circumstances or health of your named executors or beneficiaries
Even if nothing major has changed, it is a good idea to review your Estate plan from time to time. We welcome you to contact us for a complimentary Will health check, where we will review your existing documents, discuss any changes in your circumstances or the law, and let you know whether any updates are recommended.
While it is possible to prepare a Will using a general practice firm or a DIY kit, these options often overlook important issues such as superannuation, family trusts, business interests, tax consequences, and asset protection.
A lawyer who exclusively practises in Wills and Estates understands the complexities of Victorian succession law, Estate planning, and Estate disputes.
Working with an experienced Wills and Estates lawyer helps ensure your Estate plan is tailored to your circumstances, legally sound, tax-conscious, and designed to achieve your wishes while reducing the risk of future disputes.
Yes. Estate planning isn't just for multi-millionaires—it's about ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary stress. Without a legal Will, Victorian intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets, which can lead to unwanted outcomes, family disputes, and lengthy court delays.
Furthermore, a complete Estate plan includes Enduring Powers of Attorney, which nominate trusted individuals to handle your financial, personal, and Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker document which allows someone you trust to make medical decisions if an illness or accident leaves you unable to speak for yourself.
A comprehensive Victorian Estate plan goes beyond a standard Will. Depending on your personal and business setup, your plan typically includes:
1. Last Will & Testament: Outlines asset distribution, testamentary trust provisions, and the appointment of guardians for minor children.
2. Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial & Personal): Authorises a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf.
3. Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker: Designates who can make medical choices if you lose decision-making capacity.
4. Superannuation Binding Death Benefit Nomination (BDBN): Ensures your super and life insurance are paid directly to your chosen beneficiaries.
5. Trust & Corporate Succession Documents: Pass control of family trusts or business entities smoothly to the next generation.
A dedicated Wills and Estates lawyer acts as your strategic partner in legacy protection. Beyond drafting legal paperwork, we evaluate your total financial and personal picture—including real estate, businesses, trusts, superannuation, and family dynamics.
We design legal strategies that minimise tax liabilities, safeguard wealth from potential litigation or family disputes, assist executors through probate and Estate administration, and structure medical and financial safety nets for your future.
The best time to create an Estate plan is before you think you need one. You should reach out to a lawyer as soon as you purchase property, start a business, welcome children, or accumulate superannuation and wealth.
Waiting for a health crisis, retirement, or unexpected event often leaves families unprepared. Taking action early guarantees your family is protected, giving you immediate peace of mind knowing your affairs are completely in order.
Respect Wills & Estates is a Melbourne-based law firm focused exclusively on Wills and Estates.
Our lawyers practise solely in Estate planning, Estate administration, and Estate disputes, allowing us to provide practical, tailored advice rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
We offer transparent fixed fees for most Estate planning matters, take the time to understand your family and financial circumstances, and prepare documents designed to protect your loved ones and give you peace of mind.
Absolutely—complex Estate planning is our core specialty. We regularly assist business owners, high-net-worth individuals, self-employed professionals, and blended families.
Whether your situation involves corporate entities, family trusts, complex SMSF arrangements, international assets, or sensitive family dynamics, we create tailored, highly sophisticated structures (such as Testamentary Discretionary Trusts) designed to protect your assets against future risks, taxes, or legal challenges.
Most law firms treat Estate planning as a quick, transactional paperwork exercise, but we know your life and business are far too dynamic for an off-the-shelf solution.
At Respect Wills & Estates, we specialise in sophisticated Estate planning for Melbourne families and business owners who have built real wealth and want complete certainty for its future.
We respect how busy your schedule is, which is why we've made the experience completely effortless and painless. From protecting corporate assets and family trusts to setting up testamentary structures, we deliver high-level legal strategy on a transparent fixed-fee basis, giving you the total relief of knowing your legacy is thoroughly protected.