A significant part of our practice involves claims under the Family Provision Act 1972 (WA). If you believe you have not been properly looked after under a loved one’s Will, or have been left out altogether, this Act may allow you to apply to the Supreme Court for a greater share of the estate. These claims aren’t about whether the Will simply seems unfair; the court will look at your circumstances and your relationship with the person who has passed away to decide whether more should have been provided for you. Strict time limits apply, generally six months from the grant of probate or letters of administration, so it’s important to get advice early. We act for people bringing these claims, as well as for executors and beneficiaries defending them.

Beyond family provision claims, our work covers disputes over the validity of a Will, disagreements between executors, administrators or beneficiaries about how an estate is being administered, and trust disputes, including challenges to the conduct of trustees, the interpretation of trust deeds, and the proper exercise of trustee discretion. We also advise on matters concerning a person’s capacity, including applications to the State Administrative Tribunal for the appointment of an administrator or guardian.

Not every matter we handle is adversarial — we regularly advise executors and trustees on their obligations, help resolve disagreements before they escalate, and step in where court guidance or approval is needed even without an opposing party.

Our Approach

We help clients understand their legal position early and pursue the most direct path to resolution.

Estate and trust matters often arise at difficult times, and the people involved are frequently family members who need to maintain relationships beyond the dispute.
Most family provision claims and other estate disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation rather than a final court hearing, and we aim to achieve efficient outcomes while being well prepared to run a matter to trial when required.

Our lawyers appear before the Supreme Court of Western Australia, which holds jurisdiction over contested Wills, family provision claims, and estate and trust matters, and the State Administrative Tribunal in guardianship and administration matters.