Wills & Estates

It is very important that you understand your rights when it comes to wills, estate planning and wills disputes, whether you are married, de facto, single, have children or don’t.

How much does an estate lawyer cost?

Use our online calculator to estimate the cost of an estate lawyer.

How our family lawyers can help with your will & estate

Wills

It is important that your family is taken care of after you pass away. Our lawyers will ensure your will is legally binding and up to date.

Wills

Online Will

Easy, Online Forms for you

Online Will

Contesting a Will

Our legal team can ensure you achieve the outcome you deserve after contesting a will and that you receive your rightful entitlement of a will.

Contesting a Will

Enduring Powers of Attorney

An enduring power of attorney is someone who can make personal, healthcare or financial decisions on your behalf while you are still alive.

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Deceased Estates

If you are appointed as an executor in a deceased’s will our legal team can help administer the estate and protect you from personal liability.

Deceased Estates

Superannuation Claims

Superannuation is not covered in a will. We can ensure you receive your full entitlements from the superannuation fund.

Superannuation Claims

Probate

Our lawyers can help you navigate the probate process and reduce chances of mistakes and delays that may occur in your time of grief.

Probate

Testamentary Trusts

Our lawyers can help create a testamentary trust customised to suit your family’s requirements ensuring your assets are protected for the future.

Testamentary Trusts

We can help you with your will and estate

Forge Legal’s family lawyers are specialists in all areas of family law and can assist you with all wills and estates legal matters.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a will cover?

A will is a legal document that describes how you would like your money, belongings and any other assets (your estate) to be divided once you pass away. The individuals you list to receive your estate are called beneficiaries, and the individual you list to administer your estate after you pass away is called your executor. Your will can include guardians for your children and pets, a trust to provide for children or an individual with a disability, any preferences you may have for your funeral, or if you want to give money to a charity.

What makes a will legal?

In order for a will to become legal in Queensland, you must be over 18 years old, the will must be in writing and signed and dated by two witnesses who are also over the age of 18. The witnesses are not allowed to be a beneficiary of the will or know any individuals who could benefit from your will.

What happens to my property if I don’t have a will?

If you haven’t created a will, you are said to have died ‘intestate’ and the division of your estate will be decided by the Public Trustee. The Succession Act 1981 (Qld) lists rules for who will receive this estate based on the circumstances of your life at the time you passed away. Locating the individuals who will receive your estate can take extra time and may add costs which will be deducted from your estate

What should I do if someone is pressuring me to change my will?

Creating or changing a will is completely your choice, and it is illegal for any other person to force you to create or change a will. If someone has forced you to change your will, you should seek support from the Elder Abuse Helpline or the Office of the Public Guardian.

Can I cancel my will?

The simplest way to cancel your will is by replacing it with a newly created one. Your will can also become cancelled if there are changes in your life such as entering a new marriage or de facto relationship, or separating or divorcing your spouse or de facto partner.

What do I do if my family is fighting over the terms of my will?

If your family is arguing over the terms of your will, you should consult an estate planning lawyer who has experience in dealing with will disputes. If disputes cannot be resolved amicably, you will need to apply to the court to resolve them.

Our award-winning family lawyers

Hayley Kennedy

Hayley delivers expert legal advice across all areas of Family Law and Wills and Estates, also providing advice in many areas of Property Law, Civil Disputes and Criminal Law.

Tracey McMillan

Tracey is direct and strategic but compassionate. Tracey goes the extra mile and genuinely takes each of her matters to heart, treating them as if she were representing her own family.

Cameron Martin

Cameron is a passionate family lawyer and gets great satisfaction from assisting his clients through and after separation. He also practices in domestic violence, criminal and traffic law.

Trusted by thousands of clients

With Forge, it’s all about the customer. What I see there is a team of people who go above and beyond. That is what makes it special.

Dale Ristovski

Forge care about people’s needs. They want to be involved and they want to care what your situation is.

Peter Talbot

A legal firm that’s willing to treat you like a human. Forge made me feel like everything was going to be all right.

Stephen Pastor

Very impressed. The expertise and consultation was far better than I’ve ever experienced before.

Cherelle Swann

I was fortunate to use Forge who dealt with my family situation with professionalism and compassion.

Emmanuel Sakellaris

I made a great choice to go with Forge Legal.

Cam Brooks

If you need a law firm that actually cares and does not treat you like a number, I highly recommend Forge Legal.

Craig Clarke

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