WATKINS TAPSELL ESTATES, PROBATES AND WILLS
25 years of experience in estate planning
Making decisions about the future of your property and assets after you’ve gone can require consideration of many alternatives. Our Wills and estate lawyers in Sydney are focused on understanding your circumstances so that we can tailor your estate planning documents to accurately reflect your needs and wishes.
Our experienced Wills and estate lawyers in Sydney have over 25 years of experience in estate planning and bring a depth of understanding, compassion and common sense to this area of law. We will discuss with you strategies for managing risks in your personal and business life in a professional and understanding manner.
We can assist you in drafting the simplest Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship, right through to the most complex documents depending on your individual circumstances and requirements.
Will
A Will ensures that your assets are dealt with in accordance with your wishes on your death and reduces the risk of another person making a claim against your property.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney ensures that your money and property can be managed for you by a trusted friend or relative in the manner you wish, in the event that you are disabled due to an illness or accident.
Enduring Guardianship
An Enduring Guardianship enables a person, appointed by you, to make decisions regarding your health or where you might live, should you be unable to make those decisions for yourself.
After the loss of a loved one, we can assist you to finalise your loved one’s property and financial affairs to make this difficult time as easy as possible.
We will help you in a professional and caring manner by assisting in the following estate and probate areas:
- Probate
- Letters of administration
- Will disputes
- Wills and estate litigation
Wills and Estate Lawyers Sydney
Our wills and estate lawyers in Sydney are here to help you plan for the future and protect what matters most. We understand that estate matters are deeply personal, so we take the time to understand your goals and concerns. Whether you're preparing a simple Will or managing a complex estate, we offer practical, compassionate legal support tailored to your situation. We also assist with Enduring Powers of Attorney, Guardianship documents, and Letters of Administration for those who die without a Will.
Wills and Estate Planning
Effective wills and estate planning involve structuring your assets, choosing the right executors, and ensuring your healthcare and financial decisions are managed according to your wishes if you're unable to decide for yourself. Our lawyers help you create a clear, legally sound plan that reflects your intentions and minimises the risk of future disputes. For business owners, we also advise on succession planning and asset protection strategies.
Wills & Estates Sydney
The legal processes surrounding wills & estates in Sydney can be complex, especially when emotions are high. We assist executors and family members with interpreting Wills, obtaining probate, handling debts and distributing assets. If there is no Will, we guide you through applying for Letters of Administration. Our team ensures every step complies with NSW law and is carried out efficiently and respectfully.
Wills and Estate Litigation
Disputes can arise even with the most carefully prepared Will. Our experienced team handles wills and estate litigation with sensitivity and clarity. Whether you're contesting a Will, defending it, or involved in a family provision claim, we advocate for your interests and aim to resolve matters as efficiently as possible. When needed, we work closely with our team for commercial litigation in Sydney to address overlapping financial or business issues.
Estate Planning Lawyers Sydney
Our estate planning lawyers in Sydney provide end-to-end support for individuals, couples, and families wanting to secure their future. We help you draft enforceable Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Guardianship documents that clearly reflect your wishes. Our advice also covers superannuation nominations, blended family considerations, and minimising the chances of contested estates. We collaborate with our family lawyers in Sutherland when family dynamics affect estate planning decisions.
Probate Lawyer Sydney
When someone passes away, a probate lawyer in Sydney can help you apply for and obtain probate, which gives the executor the legal authority to manage the deceased's estate. We make the process less stressful by handling the paperwork, court requirements, and communication with banks or asset holders. Whether the estate is small or complex, our team is here to guide you through it.
Probate Solicitors Sydney
Our experienced probate solicitors in Sydney assist families through every stage of estate administration. From lodging probate applications to distributing assets in line with the Will, we make sure the process runs smoothly and lawfully. If any issues arise, such as challenges to the Will or missing beneficiaries, we work quickly to resolve them. We also liaise with our team of workplace lawyers in Sydney if employment or business-related assets are involved.
Lawyers Specialising in Wills
As lawyers specialising in wills, we go beyond templated solutions. Our advice is personal, practical, and grounded in over 25 years of experience. We explain your options clearly, help you consider future risks, and ensure your final wishes are legally enforceable. Whether you're updating an old Will or preparing one for the first time, we offer expert support at every step.
Plan With Confidence. Protect What Matters.
At Watkins Tapsell, we believe estate planning should be personal, practical, and legally sound. Our team of wills and estate lawyers in Sydney works closely with individuals and families to protect what matters most. From preparing your Will to managing probate or resolving disputes, we’re here to support you at every stage. We also offer expert advice on related matters through our broader team of solicitors, Sutherland Shire.
To learn more or speak with our experienced team, visit our solicitors in Sutherland Shire homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning?
Wills and estate planning refers to when a family or individual arranges the transfer of assets in anticipation of death. Creating a Will outlining where you want your possessions to go is the most basic form of estate planning.
Forming a Will allows you to make decisions about your estate and ensure it is distributed to your beneficiaries based on your wishes. Additionally, an estate plan can be useful in dictating how you want to be looked after, both medically and financially, if you can no longer make your own decisions later in life.
To ensure your estate planning is completed accurately, it’s best to hire a Wills and estate lawyer.
Is estate planning the same as a Will?
While similar, there are slight differences between an estate plan and a Will.
An estate plan is comprehensive and outlines documents that are effective during your lifetime. This information will clarify how you want to be looked after when you cannot make decisions for yourself.
Alternatively, a Will does not come into effect until after your death. This document details where your assets will go and who is now responsible for anything you’ve left behind.
Talk with our estate planning lawyers in Sydney to understand more about Wills and estate planning.
What is an estate planning lawyer?
An estate planning lawyer in Sydney ensures you have the correct strategy in place when managing your assets after you pass away. At Watkins Tapsell, our Wills and estate lawyers in Sydney are focused on understanding your situation and tailoring our Will and estate planning to suit your needs.
A Wills and estate lawyer in Sydney will assist you with various legal areas including probate, letters of administration, disputes, and Wills and estate litigation. If you’re searching for estate planning lawyers in your area, choose Watkins Tapsell today.
Do you need a lawyer for estate planning?
Hiring a Wills and estate lawyer in Sydney is beneficial as they possess the relevant knowledge and skills to specialise in end-of-life affairs. A Wills and estate lawyer will be required in two situations:
- Before someone dies so that their Will and estate can be managed
- After someone dies (acting as an Executor or contesting a Will)
At Watkins Tapsell, our Wills and estate lawyers in Sydney can assist you in drafting documents, finalising your loved one’s financial assets, and managing your Wills and estates. We also offer legal services dealing with issues such as fairwork disputes and debt recovery.
Do I need a lawyer to write a Will?
Yes. A lawyer can ensure your Will is valid, tailored to your circumstances, and properly executed under NSW law. This reduces the risk of mistakes, confusion, or family disputes later. Legal advice also helps you address complex issues like blended families, business assets, and superannuation.
What happens if someone dies without a Will?
If there is no Will, their estate is handled under intestacy laws. This means assets may not go to the people they intended. We help families apply for Letters of Administration and manage the estate so everything is done lawfully and with as little stress as possible.
Can a Will be contested?
Yes. A Will can be challenged if someone believes they’ve been unfairly left out or that the Will is invalid. Grounds include lack of capacity, undue influence, or inadequate provision. We can help you understand your rights, whether you’re contesting or defending a Will.
How long does probate take in NSW?
Probate typically takes 6–8 weeks after the application is lodged, but complex estates can take longer. Delays often occur due to missing documents or beneficiary issues. Our team helps ensure your application is accurate, complete, and submitted efficiently to reduce wait times.
What documents should be included in an estate plan?
A good estate plan includes a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship, and directions for superannuation and medical care. We can help you put everything in place so your personal, financial, and medical wishes are clearly outlined and legally protected.
Searching for estate planning lawyers in your area?
Contact Watkins Tapsell for professional estate planning services.
