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Will Disputes

How much does it cost to contest a will?

We offer a No Win, No Fee agreement.

Learn more here.

In legal terms, contesting a Will refers to an interested person contesting the validity of a Will. If you are thinking of contesting a Will, you may want to know:

  1. Are you eligible to contest a Will?
  2. On what grounds you can contest a Will.
  3. How long you have to contest a Will.
  4. How you begin the process of contesting a Will.

For all of this information and more, read through our section on Contesting a Will.

It can be quite expensive to defend a will. Prices vary depending on the willingness of parties to negotiate and the complexity of the matter.

The executor or beneficiary is responsible for defending the interests of the testator (the person who made the will) if someone decides to contest the will.

This can be a very complex process to navigate.

The good news is, we can help you decide what to do.

Learn more here.

Family Provision Claims are applied for when an eligible person has not been adequately provided for in a will as required by law.

In legal terms, these claims are referred to as challenging a will.

If you are thinking of filing a Family Provision Claim, you may want to know:

  1. Are you an eligible person as defined in the Family Provision Act?
  2. On what grounds you can challenge a Will.
  3. How long you have to file a Family Provision Claim.
  4. What you need to prove to successfully challenge a Will.

For all of this information and more, read through our section on Family Provision Claims.

No, you don’t need a lawyer to contest a will, but it is usually advisable.

It can save you time, money and stress.

Will dispute law is also very complex.

All will disputes in NSW are heard in the Supreme Court and follow a strict process.

Thinking of hiring a general lawyer? This might not be ideal.

An expert will dispute lawyer understands:

  1. How the court expects affidavits to be prepared.
  2. What the judge expects of you.
  3. What to look for in the preparation of evidence.
  4. What a successful settlement outcome would be.

To learn more, read through our section on Will Dispute Lawyers.

Will disputes can be generally divided into two main categories:

  1. Family Provision Claims.
  2. Contesting the validity of a Will.

 

In NSW the law provides for eligible persons to be adequately provided for in a will.

Are you an eligible person? Find out here.

In Australia 5-6% of families comprise step children.

There are more blended families than ever before.

Recognising this, law makers updated the definition of people who are entitled to be provided for in a will.

Together with elevated property prices and compulsory superannuation laws that provide for substantial estate values, more people than ever are challenging wills.

Family Provision Claims are the most common type of will dispute.

If you believe you were unfairly left out of a will or that you didn’t receive a fair share of an estate, click here to find out all the information you need to know about Family Provision Claims.

The other reason people contest wills is if they consider the will to be invalid.

Under the law, there are a number of processes that need to be followed for a will to be judged as valid.

You are also required to be an “interested person” in order to file a claim that a will is invalid.

We discuss these issues in more detail on our Contesting a Will page.

If you have been nominated as an executor of a will and someone is challenging the will it will be helpful for you to read the information we have provided on the Defending a Will page.

Whatever your circumstances, whether you’re contesting or defending a will, the laws and processes are complex.

To obtain a favourable outcome you will need to speak with an expert Will Dispute Lawyer.

Read the information on this page to help you make a decision about who you should rely on to get reliable advice.

Your initial consultation with us is free of charge so if you would like to Get In Touch with one of our lawyers now, click here.

Related Pages

Mary Wyrley
Mary Wyrley
5-Star Google Review
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Graeme, Michael and the counsel they chose have been incredible. My family will dispute has been incredibly difficult and very acrimonious. Heckenberg have been helpful, supportive and always gave me realistic, honest advice about all possible outcomes. The outcome has been fantastic and I get to keep my home. Thank you
Jane Araneda
Jane Araneda
5-Star Google Review
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Thanks to Graeme, Blaise and their team at Heckenberg Lawyers for helping us finalise our matter in a timely manner. They were always very helpful and professional. They took care of everything very well, which meant that there was no added stress on me and my family. Jane A.
Kim Pink
Kim Pink
5-Star Google Review
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I found Heckenberg Lawyers to be very professional and knowledgeable. Graeme took the time and explained the entire process to me. He was never pushy nor was he just after "his cut" as so many other practices are. He was at all times looking out for the best interest of the estate and not wanting it to be eaten. I found his staff to be extremely thorough and attentive. I would have no hesitations to recommend this practice if you want the best outcome possible.
Donna Hodges
Donna Hodges
5-Star Google Review
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Blaise was extremely professional in assisting with all matters to do with my fathers estate and probate. She made an extremely complex process very easy to understand and instilled great confidence at a difficult personal time for our family.
Sonja Psaroudis
Sonja Psaroudis
5-Star Google Review
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If you need legal representation in a matter to do with Wills & Estate law I highly recommend Graeme, Blaise and the whole team at Heckenberg. Their knowledge and expertise in this area of the law was a huge comfort at a very difficult time, saving all parties involved time and money in the long run. Thanks again .!
Olma Mignacca
Olma Mignacca
5-Star Google Review
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Graeme is trustworthy and thorough. His charges were reasonable and easily understood. The team was considerate and helpful.
Samuel Burns
Samuel Burns
5-Star Google Review
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As the executor of an estate, I engaged Graeme and his team to handle a family provision claim and probate matter. I found Graeme to be professional and knowledgeable. Throughout the entire process, Graeme treated all parties involved with respect. He was always willing to take my concerns onboard and never pushy. Highly recommended.
Helen
Helen
5-Star Google Review
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Let me take this opportunity to thank you both for your professionalism, assistance and patience in this matter. Helen
Elaine Ivan
Elaine Ivan
5-Star Google Review
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Graeme, Thank you to you and your staff for taking on my case in regards to the estate of my dad Walter Etchells against my brother Robert Etchells. I am happy with the outcome as the amount is a lot more and fairer than Robert wanted. Thanks again for all the work you all put into this and for me receiving the settlement amount sooner than I thought I would. Regards Elaine Ivan
Peter Robinson
Peter Robinson
5-Star Google Review
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I am a UK Resident. My wife passed away after suffering a debilitating illness in 2022.Part of her estate was located in Australia NSW. To redeem it I had to obtain a Seal of Probate in the UK and a Reseal of Probate in Australia. I engaged Graham Heckenberg and his team to guide me through the process, explaining fees and steps necessary. On gaining the Reseal of Probate of my wife's estate they also enabled the transfer of the estate to myself. I would like to thank and recommend Graham and his team for their professionalism and efficiency in fulfilling my instructions
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