If you need proper estate planning, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’re here to spill the beans on the top 10 estate planning lawyers in Sydney who are absolute guns in estate planning.
These best estate lawyers have earned their stripes by assisting countless clients and their family members with estate administration, execution, and other ways to protect their assets and secure their loved ones’ futures.
What Do Estate Planning Lawyers Do?
Estate planning lawyers, also known as probate attorneys or estate law attorneys, are specialised legal professionals who assist clients with preparing and organizing their affairs for the future management and disposal of their estate during their lifetime and after death.
Their role involves a wide range of duties:
- They create essential documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. These documents ensure that a person’s wishes regarding their estate, health care, and power of attorney are clearly stated and legally sound.
- Offer advice on how to structure an estate to minimise taxes, meet financial goals, and address potential legal hurdles.
- Help clients structure their assets in ways that minimize potential losses from lawsuits and creditors.
- Assist in the probate process, where a deceased person’s will is validated, creditors are paid, and assets are distributed according to the will or state law if there is no will.
- Guide executors and beneficiaries of an estate through the process of managing and settling the estate, which includes distributing assets and meeting financial obligations.
- Set up various types of trusts that can help bypass the lengthy and public probate process, provide for minor children or family members with special needs, and preserve the estate for future generations.
- Advise on the potential tax implications of different estate planning strategies, including estate, inheritance, gift, and income taxes.
Whether you need assistance with Sydney wills, a testamentary trust or special disability trust, family provision claims, savvy trust legal advice, or expert guidance on estate taxes, our handpicked list will ensure you’re sorted.
Get ready to meet the crème de la crème of estate planning lawyers in Sydney. Let’s get cracking!
1. Sydney Estate Planning Lawyers
Sydney Estate Planning Lawyers ahs a team of exceptional lawyers that provide estate planning services for private clients or consultancy. They have 68 years of collective experience to assist you with your estate planning needs. Individuals require personal services when purchasing a home or investment property, creating a will, or coping with a death in the family.
The team has a wealth of experience and expertise, dedicated to assisting clients in this process. When individuals document their plans for asset distribution upon their demise, mainly through a will, they must become aware of and address the intricate issues that could arise.
Address: Level 16, 55 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8915 4900
Website: sydneyepl.com.au
2. Owen Hodge Lawyers
Owen Hodge Lawyers strives to guarantee a top-notch experience for their clients. The firm boasts a team of leading specialists in various legal fields, ranging from personal lawyers to bankruptcy lawyers and more.
They have adept professionals such as commercial litigation and commercial lawyers, wills and estate lawyers, personal injury lawyers, family lawyers, commercial property lawyers and conveyancers, immigration lawyers, and employment lawyers.
Their extensive expertise and commitment to excellence make them a trusted choice for clients seeking exceptional legal services in Sydney.
Address: 3/171 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 770 780
Website: owenhodge.com.au
3. Shore Lawyers
The next firm you should contact is Shore Lawyers. This firm takes pride in being recognised as one of the leading law firms offering exceptional services for Wills and Estates in Sydney.
Shore Lawyers’ dedicated team specialises in Probate, Letters of Administration, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Appointments of Enduring Guardians, Trusts, and Estate Planning. They understand that dealing with matters involving bereavement and death can be emotionally challenging, which is why they approach each matter with empathy, sensitivity, and the utmost professionalism.
If you’re looking for the best will and estate lawyers in Sydney, Shore Lawyers is here to provide personalised solutions for your legal needs. Contact them today and let our expertise guide you through this difficult time.
Address: 172 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060
Email: cases@shorelawyers.com.au
Phone: 02 9712 4244
Website: shorelawyers.com.au
4. The Estate Planning Centre
The Estate Planning Centre’s professional staff is committed to assisting customers as they organise their estates. By providing people with knowledge, they enable them to make educated decisions and defend the interests of those they care about.
The team works closely with clients, seeking to find the best solution even in challenging circumstances while considering the particular dynamics of each family.
The team continuously supports families and assists them in making necessary plan modifications as they grow and mature.
When customers work with The Estate Planning Centre, they get helpful assistance in making sure their estate is transferred to their preferred beneficiaries effectively and efficiently.
Address: Level 21/133Castlereagh St Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9159 3885
Website: theestateplanningcentre.com.au
5. Watkins Tapsell
With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Watkins Tapsell has consistently focused on providing clients with more than just legal support.
As a team of professionals, they strive to surpass expectations and rise to the daily challenge of not only meeting but exceeding clients’ needs.
This entails staying ahead of changes in the law, surpassing expectations, and attentively listening to clients’ requirements to anticipate desired outcomes.
Their commitment to client satisfaction drives them to continually improve and expand their services, ensuring they remain a trusted partner throughout their clients’ journeys.
Address: Level 3, 550 Princes Highway, Kirrawee NSW 2232
Phone: (02) 9521 6000
Website: watkinstapsell.com.au
6. Fox & Staniland Lawyers
The team at Fox & Staniland primarily focuses on providing dedicated support to their clients, addressing both personal and business issues.
While they aim to resolve disputes through alternative means outside of the Court, they possess extensive experience appearing in Court and can adeptly guide clients through the litigation process, offering honest advice.
Their Lawyers & Solicitors help in a variety of sectors, such as Estate Disputes, Business Law, Family Law, Litigation, Property, Conveyancing, Leases, Contracts, Deceased Estates, and Estate Planning.
Address: Level 2, 828 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072
Phone: 02 9440 1202
Website: foxstaniland.com.au
7. JB Solicitors
The estate planning team at JB Solicitors is enthusiastic about creating the ideal strategy for each client. Simply drafting a Will or a financial plan is not their method.
To develop tailored long-term strategies that are in keeping with each client’s unique needs and circumstances, they collaborate closely with them.
They also provide top importance to ensuring that the plan is upheld in court and protects the clients’ and clients’ loved ones’ assets.
Address: Level 20, 233 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9723 8080
Website: jbsolicitors.com.au
8. Clayton James
Clayton James provides a valuable solution for those in need of guidance with will disputes, estate, and more. He and his team offer reliable legal guidance and help to anyone who needs legal guidance.
Clayton James has been practising since 1972. Other areas of his expertise include Conveyancing, Commercial Litigation, Equity and Estate work and Personal Injury claims.
Address: Level 21, 133 Castlereagh Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 960 644
Website: claytonjames.com.au
9. Swaab
Swaab’s lawyers understand the interrelation between estate litigation and various legal domains, such as family law, property law, business law, commercial law, and insolvency, which is paramount.
With a talented team well-versed in these areas, they can swiftly involve additional experts when necessary, ensuring comprehensive representation for your case.
Address: Level 4, 20 Hunter Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: 02 9233 5544
Website: swaab.com.au
10. Sydney Business Lawyers
Sydney Business Lawyers provide small to medium-sized enterprises with prompt and practical commercial advice from accessible lawyers.
They also offer personal services to private clients, focusing on critical areas such as property transactions, estate planning, family provision claim, filing and handling matters related to bereavement.
Their consultancy services cater to accountants, lawyers, and financial advisers, respecting their existing client relationships.
Address: Level 16, 55 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8915 4900
Website: sydneybl.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is estate planning in Australia?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and disposal of your assets during your lifetime and after death. The main goal is to distribute your assets according to your wishes while minimising taxes and legal complications for your beneficiaries.
The keyy components of estate planning typically include:
- Will. A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed among heirs and can appoint guardians for minor children.
- Trusts. These can be set up in various forms to manage your assets, offering benefits like avoiding probate, reducing estate taxes, and providing for dependents with special needs.
- Power of Attorney. This grants someone you trust the authority to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.
- Healthcare Directives. Also known as a living will, this specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate them yourself.
- Beneficiary Designations. Some assets, like life insurance policies and retirement accounts, allow you to name beneficiaries directly on the account, bypassing the will.
- Guardianship Designations. Important if you have minor children, to ensure they are cared for by the individuals you trust most.
How much does it cost to make a will in NSW?
In NSW, a will drafted by an estate planning lawyer or solicitor might cost you between $200 on the low end and as much as $1,000 or more on the upper end.
The final cost of your will depends on the complexity of your assets, your family relationships, and the types of things you want to do with your assets following your death.
Is estate planning tax deductible in Australia?
Absolutely… most of the time. In Australia, Sydney included, estate planning fees are tax-deductible in most cases.
This is supported by a specific provision in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, which allows for such deductions. There are limitations to tax deductions, however. To be eligible to claim this deduction, the estate planning fees must be incurred in connection with the earning of assessable income.
Final Words
These top 10 estate planning lawyers in Sydney stand out as true professionals in their field. With their wealth of experience and deep knowledge of estate planning laws, they offer invaluable guidance and support.
With the help of a legal and financial planner, you can ensure that your desires remained honoured and assets remain secure for your family and beneficiaries. Consult with one of these renowned estate planning attorneys right away to take the crucial step of ensuring your future.
