Enduring Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney provides your appointed attorney with the authority to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. You can elect when you would like this to take effect, being either from the date that you make the appointment of the attorney, from the date they deem you unfit to manage your affairs, or from the date that a medical practitioner deems you unfit to manage your affairs.

Enduring Guardianship

An Enduring Guardianship provides your appointed guardian with the authority to make lifestyle and medical decisions on your behalf once you are unable to make these decisions for yourself. These decisions would ordinarily be to decide where you live, what health care you receive, to determine what other personal services you require, and to consent to the carrying out of medical or dental treatment on you.

The two documents work together to enable the appointed attorney and guardian to make all relevant decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to make these decisions.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can assist you with preparing the necessary documents and determining the most appropriate course of action for your circumstances.

Following the death of a family member or loved one, there are often a number of legal and administrative matters that need to be addressed before an estate can be finalised.

Executors and administrators may be responsible for identifying estate assets and liabilities, dealing with financial institutions and other organisations, obtaining the necessary court authority and ultimately distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

We can assist executors, administrators and families throughout this process, including with:

• applications for probate;

• administration of deceased estates;

• applications for letters of administration where required;

• advice to executors about their duties and responsibilities;

• collecting and transferring estate assets; and

• distributing the estate in accordance with the Will or applicable succession laws.

We understand that estate administration often takes place during a difficult time and aim to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible.

Disputes can arise where there are concerns about the validity or interpretation of a Will, the administration of an estate or the provision made for particular family members or beneficiaries.

Estate disputes can be legally and emotionally complex, particularly where disagreements occur between members of the same family.

We can advise clients in relation to estate litigation and disputes, including claims involving Wills, deceased estates, executors, beneficiaries and the distribution of estate assets.

Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes efficiently and practically. Where court proceedings become necessary, we can assist clients through each stage of the litigation process.

There may be circumstances where a person is no longer able to make certain personal, lifestyle or financial decisions for themselves and formal arrangements are required to protect their interests.

Guardianship and financial management matters can involve sensitive personal and family circumstances and it is important that any application is approached carefully.

We can provide advice and assistance in relation to guardianship and administration matters, including applications concerning decisions about a person's personal affairs, accommodation, healthcare or financial management.

We can also assist families in understanding the relevant process, preparing the necessary material and determining the most appropriate course of action for their circumstances.