The process of organising a will or your estate can seem intimidating, but wills and estate lawyers can make the process simple and stress free. Law firms that specialise in family law or wills and estate law can assist with estate planning and estate litigation, take you through the process of creating a will, and organise ongoing legal arrangements like enduring power of attorney or enduring guardians.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best wills and estate lawyers
- Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers
- BAL Lawyers
- Farrar Gesini Dunn
- Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers
- Snedden Hall & Gallop
What do wills lawyers do?
For many people the process of creating a will is straightforward, and individuals will often write their will themselves or use a pre-made will template. However, the risk of not using a professional is that often individuals will leave certain clauses or instructions too ambiguous, and they end up being interpreted incorrectly.
A wills lawyer will listen to all your wishes and instructions and ensure that they are translated correctly, in accurate language, in a way that is legally clear. Your will can often have instructions about enduring power of attorney and power of guardianship over your children so many people find they can feel more relaxed knowing the will has been written up by someone with knowledge of all the legal interpretations and boundaries.
What do estate lawyers do?
Generally, the same lawyer who manages your will can also organise the legal planning for your estate. Usually, your will document will involve instructions about how your estate is to be managed in the event of your death. The estate lawyer can help to advise on this, and work with you to create a plan for things like paying off any remaining debts on your property.
Then, in the event of your death, they will ensure that your legal wishes are executed, and your estate is processed and divided in the way that you have directed. If you do not have a pre-existing will, then your estate will be divided in a standard manner set out in law, however this may not be the best solution for you or your family.
How much does a will cost in Canberra?
If you are looking to hire a lawyer or solicitor to prepare your will, the cost will vary depending on the complexity of your assets, personal circumstances, or estate. Depending on the lawyer that you proceed with, some will charge per hour, and some will have an up-front agreed fee. Generally, this will be somewhere between $500 and $3000.
If you are looking for other great businesses in Canberra, check out some of our other articles on Canberra’s best commercial lawyers, Canberra’s best divorce lawyers, Canberra’s best criminal lawyers, Canberra’s best mortgage brokers, Canberra’s best conveyancing property lawyers and Canberra’s best bankruptcy lawyers.
The best wills and estate lawyers in Canberra 2024
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When looking for a wills and estate lawyer in the Canberra region, check out our list of the best local businesses below.
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Snedden Hall & Gallop Lawyers have a team of lawyers that provide expert help on estate planning including wills, enduring powers of attorney and guardianships and more.
They know the importance of everyone having a clear and concise will as it can save those you leave behind plenty of time and money.
Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers
Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers understand a Will may be the most important document you ever sign and have been assisting clients to draft concise and valid Wills and undertake estate planning for over 150 years.
If you want to ensure that your hard-earned assets are distributed properly to your loved ones, make sure to use the experienced team at BDN Lawyers.
BAL Lawyers
BAL Lawyers are a proud Canberra firm that boasts a terrific record for providing expert and comprehensive legal services to individuals, business, organisations and government.
They have an experienced and trusted team who can assist you with estate planning and help navigate the difficult process to provide certainty for the future.
Farrar Gesini Dunn
Farrar Gesini Dunn have an experienced team in the ACT that support their clients in resolving family and Wills matters out of court.
They are experts in estate planning and estate administration and enjoy using their knowledge to save clients from unnecessary tax burdens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a will?
A will is a legal document with instructions for who you want to inherit your estate, be the executor of your estate and care for your children after you die.
Why should I use a lawyer to make my will?
A will is one of the most important legal documents you can draw up in your life so it’s important to get it right. Having an expert who is experienced in all aspects of estate planning will help make sure your will is legally secure.
When should I make a will?
People over the age of 18 and who are sound of mind are able to make a will. It is recommended that you make a will sooner rather than later in life to ensure your estate is split how you want it if something were to happen to you.
Do I need to make a will?
It is highly recommended that you make a will, even if you think perhaps you are not wealthy enough to bother. Most employed people will have superannuation and possible a default level of life insurance. If you have a family, it is even more important to have a will as leaving no will can create added stress on your family.
Can I change my will?
Yes of course you are able to change your will at any time you wish if you are of sound mind. It is advised to review your will every three years or if your circumstances change dramatically.
