Probate, Wills a Dispute Lawyers Sydney

The Norton Law Group is dedicated to providing comprehensive and expert legal advice and representation, ensuring that our clients navigate the complexities of estate planning, will disputes, and probate matters with confidence and ease.

Expert Will Dispute Lawyers and Probate Services in Sydney

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When you're facing a will dispute or probate challenge, time is critical. Whether you've been left out of a will, believe you deserve more, or need to defend an estate against unfair claims, our will dispute lawyers Sydney provide immediate legal support when you need it most. We understand the emotional stress and financial uncertainty that comes with estate disputes, which is why we offer "No Win, No Fee" representation and free initial consultations.


Comprehensive Will Disputes and Estate Legal Services


Our estate dispute lawyers handle every type of will challenge and probate matter. If you believe you were unfairly left out of a will or inadequately provided for, we can assess whether you have grounds for a family provision claim. For executors facing unexpected challenges from family members or beneficiaries, we provide strategic defence and guidance to protect the estate's interests. We also assist beneficiaries who want to uphold a will against unfair challenges, ensuring the deceased's true wishes are respected. Our probate lawyers Sydney understand that each family situation is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific circumstances and relationships.


When You Need a Probate Lawyer in Sydney


You need immediate legal help if you're an executor struggling with family disputes, if someone is threatening to contest a will, or if you believe you have been unfairly treated in a will. Our deceased estate lawyers become essential when court deadlines are approaching - you typically have only 12 months from the date of death to make a family provision claim. We also step in when there are questions about a will's validity, concerns about undue influence, or disputes about how an executor is managing the estate. The earlier you seek legal advice, the more options we can preserve for you.


Immediate Support for Estate Disputes and Challenges



Estate disputes don't wait for convenient timing. If you're facing urgent situations like contested probate applications, threats of legal action, or deadline pressures, our estate litigation lawyers Sydney provide rapid response and immediate protection of your interests. We understand the emotional toll of family disputes over inheritance and work quickly to assess your situation, explain your rights, and take necessary action to protect your position. Our will contest lawyer team can often arrange same-day consultations for urgent matters.

Contact One of Our Specialist Estate Lawyers

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Need a specialist Probate and Estate lawyer? Left out of a will ? Thinking of contesting or challenging a will or involved in an estate dispute? Then contact one of our specialist estate lawyers and see how we can help you on a “no win no fee basis”.

A will may be challenged or contested on a number of grounds.

A will may be found invalid in the case of:
• Lack of testamentary capacity , for example if at the time of making the world the deceased suffered from an illness such as dementia, alzheimer’s, mental illness or was taking medication which would have affected his/her judgement;


• Fraud, undue influence or duress, for example if the deceased was tricked into making the will, or given their age or health was placed under enormous pressure to make the question a will that he/she may not otherwise have made;

• Failure to comply with the formal legal requirements surrounding the making of the will.

We Are the Leading Wills and Estate Lawyers in Sydney.

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Understanding Will Disputes and Probate in NSW

Navigating will disputes and probate can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Understanding your rights and the legal processes involved helps you make informed decisions about your situation. Whether you're questioning a will's validity, seeking fair provision, or defending against challenges, knowing the basics of NSW estate law empowers you to take appropriate action.


What Is Probate and When Is It Required?


Probate is the court process that validates a will and gives the executor legal authority to distribute the estate. Most estates with property, significant bank accounts, or shares require probate before assets can be transferred to beneficiaries. If you're an executor, you'll likely need probate to access and distribute estate assets.


The Supreme Court of NSW grants probate after confirming the will is valid and the executor has authority to act. This process becomes complicated when family members dispute the will or challenge the executor's appointment. Our probate lawyers Sydney guide executors through the process while protecting against potential challenges.


Estate Disputes: When Legal Action Becomes Necessary


Estate disputes arise when there's disagreement about a will's validity, fairness, or how an executor is handling the estate. Unlike routine probate, disputes require immediate legal intervention and often court proceedings to resolve conflicts between family members.

If you're unhappy with how an executor is managing the estate, believe they're acting improperly, or think the will is invalid or unfair, you're facing a dispute that needs litigation expertise. Our estate litigation lawyers Sydney can help you understand whether you have valid grounds for action through contesting will NSW proceedings.


Estate Administration vs Will Disputes


Estate administration is the routine process of gathering assets and distributing them according to the will. Estate disputes arise when family members disagree about the will's validity, fairness, or how the executor is handling the estate.

If you're unhappy with how an executor is managing the estate, believe they're acting improperly, or think the will is invalid or unfair, you're facing a dispute that requires legal intervention. Our estate litigation lawyers Sydney can help you understand whether you have valid grounds for action.


Legal Grounds for Challenging Wills in NSW


NSW courts recognise specific legal grounds for challenging wills when there are legitimate concerns about their validity or fairness. Each ground requires different types of evidence and legal strategies to prove your case successfully.


The main grounds include questions about the deceased's mental capacity when making the will, evidence of fraud or pressure from others, and failure to follow proper legal procedures during will creation. For comprehensive information about who can contest a will, critical time limits, required evidence, and the step-by-step legal process, visit our detailed guide on contesting will NSW which covers all deadlines and requirements you need to know.


If you believe you have grounds to challenge a will, contact us immediately for a free consultation to assess your case and ensure you meet the strict 12-month deadline.


Navigating NSW Probate Requirements


If you're an executor, understanding the probate process helps you fulfill your duties while protecting yourself from potential liability. The process involves specific steps and deadlines that must be followed carefully to avoid complications or challenges.


Step-by-Step Probate Application Process


The probate process begins with gathering all necessary documents including the original will, death certificate, and detailed inventory of assets and debts. You must then advertise your intention to apply for probate, giving potential claimants 14 days notice before filing your application with the Supreme Court.

Our probate lawyers Sydney guide executors through each stage, ensuring all requirements are met and potential problems are identified early. Mistakes in the process can cause significant delays and increase costs, which is why most executors benefit from professional legal assistance.


Required Documentation and Court Procedures


You'll need to prepare extensive documentation including sworn statements about the estate's value, the deceased's death, and your authority as executor. Complex estates may require asset valuations, overseas asset declarations, or additional supporting evidence.

The court must be satisfied about the will's validity and your capacity to administer the estate properly. Our estate litigation lawyers ensure all documentation meets court requirements and help resolve any issues that arise during the process.


Timeframes and Common Challenges


Probate typically takes 8-12 weeks if no complications arise, but disputes or missing documentation can cause significant delays. Common challenges include family members contesting the will, difficulty locating assets, or questions about the deceased's capacity when making the will.


Early legal assistance helps prevent many complications and ensures efficient processing. If the estate includes property that needs to be sold, our selling property lawyers can assist with the conveyancing process.

Successfully Assisted Executors and Estates

We have successfully acted for claimants in cases involving all the above categories in what are commonly refer to as family provision claims, so as to ensure that they have received their rightful entitlements. We have also successfully assisted executors and estates defend proceeding in all the above categories by either totally avoiding unmeritorious claims or by minimising the value of the claim to the estate.

If you feel that you have been left out of a will or that the deceased made inadequate provision for you in their will, the call us for a free claim assessment.If you are an executor of an estate and may be facing a claim or challenge to a will, then give us a call to see how The Norton Law Group and our Will Dispute Lawyers Sydney can help you defend the claim and avoid any personal liability as an executor.

How We Support You in Contesting or Defending a Will

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The likelihood of succeeding and winning in a contested will claim and the amount which may be awarded is dependent on many factors particular to each individual claimant, the claimants personal circumstances, the relationship between the claimant and the deceased, the size and nature of the estate , and the circumstances of the named beneficiaries and other claimants. No two cases are alike, and each claim must be assessed on its merits.

A claim / proceedings must be made in the Supreme Court within 12 months of the date of the deceased’s death. However, if 12 months has expired from the date of death of the testator, the court can give leave / permission to proceed out of time. We have acted in successful claims which have been well out of time, including a recent case where the application was made some 16 years after the date of death.


The law relating to wills and estates can be complex and so we encourage you to take advantage of our first free consultation and free claim assessment with one of our specialist estate lawyers. Not having specialised and competent legal advice when contesting or challenging a will can be the difference between winning or losing a case and can have serious costs consequences.

If properly handled and when the Judge makes an order for provision for a claimant, or a matter is settled out of court , the estate will usually pay the claimant’s costs. But if the claimant is unsuccessful and the Judge makes no order for provision for the claimant, then the Judge may order the claimant to pay the executor’s costs of defending the proceedings. This is why we recommend that you seek advice from one of our lawyers who specialises in estate disputes including contested will cases. We will assess your case – whether you are a claimant or an executor of an estate- and advise you on the strength of your case and likely outcomes.

We have a team of specialist will and estate lawyers which will assure the best outcome, whether by court order or by a negotiated settlement. Our team of specialists estate lawyers have extensive experience in attending mediations which is proving very effective in negotiating out of court settlements.

Why Choose The Norton Law Group for Probate, Wills and Estate Cases in Sydney

When you're dealing with the stress of a will dispute or probate challenge, you need lawyers who understand both the legal complexities and the emotional impact on families. Our specialist approach, combined with No Win No Fee options and free consultations, ensures you get expert help when you need it most.


Specialist Estate Lawyers


Our experienced Will Dispute lawyers comprises accredited specialists in estate law, including experienced family lawyers and mediators. This expertise ensures that clients receive informed, strategic advice tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether you're contesting a will or managing an estate dispute, our specialists are equipped to guide you through the complexities of estate law. 


Free No Obligation Initial Consultation


We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with one of our specialist estate lawyers. This initial meeting provides an opportunity to discuss your situation, understand your options, and determine the best course of action without any financial commitment. 


Free Assessment of Your Case


Following the initial consultation, our will and estate laywers provide a thorough assessment of your case. This evaluation includes an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, potential outcomes, and the legal strategies best suited to your situation. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear understanding of your position before proceeding.


Tailored Strategy Specific to Your Case


Recognizing that each estate matter is unique, we develop a personalized legal strategy that aligns with your objectives. Our approach considers all relevant factors, including the nature of the estate, relationships involved, and your specific goals, ensuring a strategy that is both effective and appropriate.


No Win No Fee Policy


To alleviate financial concerns, we offer a "No Win, No Fee" policy for eligible estate disputes. This means you won't incur legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case, providing you with peace of mind as we work towards a favorable outcome.


Proven Track Record in Assisting Both Claimants and Estates


With extensive experience in estate disputes, The Norton Law Group has a proven track record of success. Our Will and Estate lawyers have effectively represented both claimants seeking fair provision and executors defending estates, achieving favorable outcomes through negotiation, mediation, and litigation when necessary.

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Contact Us Today for Your Free Consultation

Our Family lawyers will provide you with the best possible representation and help you to achieve the best possible outcomes. Speak with one of our specialist family lawyers today to discuss your will dispute, family provision claim, or estate administration matter. Call us now to arrange your first free consultation and discover how we can help protect your interests and achieve the resolution you deserve.

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