Bayside Wills and Estates Lawyers
Expert Wills and Estates Planning
Securing Your Legacy for the Next Generation
Wills and Estate Lawyer
At Bayside Wills and Estates Lawyers, we empower you to leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones — exactly as you envision it. We don’t just make a Will, we create personalised estate plans that reflect your values and intentions — ensuring that your wishes are respected and effectively followed.
From shaping a Will to establishing Testamentary Trusts, appointing Enduring Powers of Attorney to crafting Medical Treatment Decision-Making documents, we have the expertise to guide you through each step — informatively, accurately, and most importantly, compassionately.
The Value of a Professional and Understanding Wills and Estates Solicitor
From our first meeting, our ceaseless focus is on understanding your unique circumstances, wishes, and values. Working closely with you, we meticulously shape a tailored estate plan and directly address any worrying concerns or queries you may have.
Bayside Wills & Estates’ years of experience allow us to effortlessly navigate the legal complexities — with our team explaining everything in clear, jargon-free, understandable terms. We take pride in our attention to detail and ensure your Estate Plan is robust, legally sound, and offers the maximum protection for your assets.
By allowing a professional to handle your legacy, you receive the benefits of:
- Minimising family disputes — a clear estate plan lessens the likelihood of potential conflict amongst your loved ones after your passing.
- Clear guidance for beneficiaries — your wishes are clearly outlined, reducing stress during a difficult time.
- Peace of mind for you and your family — knowing your loved ones are taken care of.
At Bayside Wills & Estates Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping you make powerful informed decisions about your estate to preserve your legacy. Trust us to provide you with bespoke Wills and Estate Planning services — protecting your assets and giving reassurance to you and your family.
Enjoy Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones.
Our Wills and Estates Services Include:
Beyond Wills — a Comprehensive Estate Plan for Your Future With Bayside Wills & Estates
While your Will is the crucial foundation of your estate plan, a well-rounded legacy goes far beyond outlining your wishes for asset distribution.
At Bayside Wills & Estates, we believe in a proactive approach. Our experienced lawyers will liaise closely with you to understand your current financial and personal situation and anticipate potential changes that may occur in your estate, health, or cognitive abilities.
This forward-thinking strategy ensures your plan remains flexible and adaptable, meeting your needs not just for today, but also for the future. With this comprehensive methodology, you’ll gain the reassurance that comes from knowing your legacy is secure — irrespective of life’s ups and downs.
Our diverse Wills and Estate Planning services encompass a wide range of options, including:
Writing Your Last Will and Testament
Your Will should clearly outline your wishes for what happens to your wealth, assets, and belongings after your passing. Bayside Wills & Estate will meticulously create this invaluable Testament — ensuring your loved ones are cared for according to your vision.
Beyond your beneficiaries, your Will may also outline your preferences for funeral arrangements and appoint guardians for children. Additionally, you will nominate a person you know and trust — the Executor — to oversee the administration of your estate and ensure your wishes are faithfully followed.
Although off-the-shelf DIY Wills might seem like a straightforward option, even seemingly modest estates benefit from the expertise of specialist advisors. Their relentless attention to detail safeguards your legacy against future challenges and shields your family from conflict and stress during an already difficult time.
Enduring Power of Attorney
Life is unpredictable. An illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstance may one day make it challenging to manage your financial and personal affairs — such as paying bills or arranging accommodation. Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) allows you to designate a trusted individual to act on your behalf if these situations arise.
You are in complete control of the EPA — it’s your decision what these powers include and when they come into effect. Furthermore, your chosen attorney cannot make healthcare choices for you — unless they are also your medical treatment decision maker.
Anyone aged 18 years or over — and with cognitive clarity — may create an EPA. Bayside Wills & Estate Lawyers will considerately lead you through what can be an emotionally affecting process — crafting an EPA that gives you immense reassurance and comfort.
Discover How Enduring Powers of Attorney Deliver Peace of Mind and Safeguards Your Wellbeing
Probate and Grants of Representation
Probate is a legal process ensuring the deceased’s wishes are honoured. It verifies the validity of a Will — assuming one exists — and officially appoints the Executor. This document, known as a Grant of Representation, permits the Executor to handle and distribute the recently passed’s assets.
Although some smaller estates may not require Probate, the process delivers immense peace of mind for those that do. It ensures the Executor is alive, contactable, and willing to address the estate, and checks that the Will is the most recent version and is not subject to challenge.
Applying for Probate is complex and incorporates several obligatory steps — including online adverts, a multitude of supporting documents, and submission of the application and an affidavit. Experts in Probate and Grants, Bayside Wills & Estate Lawyers ensure a smooth and timely process.
Learn How Bayside Wills & Estates Ease the Strain of Probate ApplicationsÂ
Estate Administration
Attending to the estate of a recently passed loved one is challenging. Not only can it feel like you’re navigating a bewildering maze — but you’re dealing with complex matters while still emotionally charged and experiencing loss. Typically, Executors responsible for the administration of an estate have never experienced the process before.
Unfamiliar legal terms and hurdles, family considerations, and asset distribution are all confusing factors involved in Estate Administration — but Bayside Wills and Estate Lawyers is ceaselessly by your side. Not just supporting you in this difficult time, but also providing you with a clear map to guide you through the legalities.
From Probate Litigation to Debt Settlement, dealing with financial institutions to court and tax matters — our team of specialist solicitors deliver unsurpassed advice. And, with our free online interactive tools, you receive a thorough understanding of the documents required to start the Estate Administration process.
Discover How Bayside Wills and Estate Lawyers Simplify Estate Administration
Estate Planning Online
Making a Will shouldn’t be stressful! Our intelligent and user-friendly online portal simplifies the process, guiding you step-by-step. And, it’s suitable for both individuals and couples.
The benefits of our online Estate Planning include:
- Intelligent system — our secure and confidential portal system asks clear, concise questions to understand your unique needs and assets.
- Interactive tool — the intelligent online resource allows you to progress at your own pace, with helpful prompts, guides, and explanations.
- Legal expertise — real-world experienced solicitors provide all our Wills and Estate services.
- FREE to use — there are no charges for the initial steps in our online system.
Take control of your estate plan today and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes — shielding your loved ones from stress during a challenging time.
Learn How Our Estate Planning Online Starts Your Wills and Estate Journey
Estate Disputes and Litigation
Disputes over estates are typically complex, emotionally demanding, and confusing. Often, it can feel disrespectful or inappropriate to question the purported wishes of the deceased. But, to be equitable, legal, and fair to yourself, others, and the recently passed — disputes and litigation may be the correct course of action.
At Bayside Wills & Estates Lawyers, we understand the conflicts and anxieties of estate disputes. As experienced specialists, we deliver considered counsel and support — thoughtfully guiding you through conflicts related to Wills, Trusts, and estate matters.
- Last Will and Testament disputes — including challenging, contesting, and defending.
- Family Provision claims.
- Advice for administrators, Executors, and beneficiaries.
- Disputes related to the recently passed’s Superannuation.
- Removal and replacement of Executors.
Contesting a Will
Losing a loved one is a profoundly personal and emotional experience. These intense feelings can be further compounded if you believe that you have been unfairly treated and given inadequate provisions from the deceased’s estate.
The legislation surrounding Will contests is convoluted. It determines who is eligible to make a claim, imposes strict time limits, examines any obligations the deceased had towards the claimant, and requires the size and nature of the estate to be taken into account.
At Bayside Wills & Estates Lawyers, we know that contesting a Will isn’t a step you’re taking lightly. Considerately and supportively, we will guide you through the implications, chances of success, and the court claim process.
International Wills
Are you an Australian national with assets, wealth, loved ones, or family overseas? Planning your estate can be confusing and stressful when attempting to navigate two legal systems. At Bayside Wills & Estate, our experienced international lawyer specialises in providing Wills and Estate planning services abroad — particularly in the US.
- Cross-border expertise.
- Simplifying international estate planning.
- Bringing inheritance from the US to Australia.
- Minimising tax burdens in two countries.
- Trust formations.
- Overseas Probate.
- Reassurance — knowing your Will is valid, regardless of location.
Notary Services
If you have overseas interests — you need the services of a Notary Public. These senior legal practitioners are qualified to prepare, attest, authenticate, and witness documents intended for use worldwide.
From overseas property deeds to international business deals, certification of academic qualifications to accrediting loan agreements — a Notary Public’s scope is vast. Generally speaking, they declare to interested parties abroad that your documents are legal and valid.
Under the Hague Convention, the office and seal of a Public Notary are recognised internationally. At Bayside Wills & Estates Lawyers, we provide Notary Public services in Victoria, Australia — including an online portal to submit your documents.
Ensure Smooth International Transactions and Agreements — Explore Our Notary Public Services
Experience the Bayside Difference
At Bayside Wills & Estate Lawyers, we understand that end-of-life planning can be a sensitive and emotional process. Delivering exemplary advice with consideration and understanding — we go beyond just legal expertise. Yet taking control of your legacy today is remarkably empowering and reassuring — for you and your loved ones. Being proactive now ensures that your assets, wealth, and wellbeing are effectively protected. Schedule a consultation today, and let our friendly and accredited specialists guide you towards comprehensive Estate Planning and administration solutions — tailored to your individual requirements.
Expert guidance — a legal team that understands your unique needs.
Clear communication — complex legalities explained in plain language.
Tailored estate plans — reflecting your specific circumstances.
Attention to detail — robust plans offer maximum estate protection.
Reassurance for loved ones — minimise disputes and ensure their well-being.
Proactive planning — acting today safeguards tomorrow.
Informed decisions — empowering you to manage your estate effectively.
Understanding — considerate advice for emotional end-of-life planning.
Wills, Estates, and Legacy Planning FAQs
The cost of creating your Will depends on your specific situation. The factors that can influence the price include:
Â
- Complexity of your assets.
- Overseas interests.
- Number of beneficiaries.
- Inclusion of trusts.
- Value of your estate.
At Bayside Wills & Estate Lawyers, we believe in transparent pricing. During our initial consultation, we will discuss your requirements and outline a clear cost structure.
Â
In Victoria and across Australia, using a solicitor to create a Will isn’t a legal requirement. However, it’s highly recommended.
An experienced Wills and Estates lawyer ensures your Will is valid, perfectly reflects your wishes, and reduces the likelihood of future contests and challenges.
Generally speaking, Wills don’t expire. However, they can become outdated.
A Will may no longer reflect your life circumstances. For example, new births, marriages, divorces, or changes in your wealth may make your Will obsolete — meaning it needs to be revoked.
You can then craft a new Will, taking into account the addition or removal of beneficiaries, and what assets are to be allocated.
An Advanced Care Directive (or ACD) is a legal document that allows you to clearly define your medical treatment preferences — should you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself due to injury, illness, or lack of mental cognition.
Bayside Wills & Estate Lawyers will guide you considerately through its implications, and help you establish an ACD as part of your Wills and Estate planning.
Â
Intestacy describes what happens to your assets if you die without a valid Will.
In Australia, the court will assume control of your estate, and distribute it according to legal guidelines. This may mean that some of your wealth is not allocated as you wish.
Creating a Will safeguards against an unknown third party being in charge of your estate.
In Australia, getting married automatically revokes your existing Will. So, should you pass away soon after taking your vows, your estate will be subject to the laws of intestacy.
Secure Your Legacy Today with Bayside Wills & Estates Lawyers
Schedule a consultation today and let our accredited specialists guide you towards comprehensive estate planning and administration solutions tailored to your unique needs