Area of Practice

Estate planning is an area of law that deals with the process of disposing one’s property after you die. This includes all of what you own, like your family home and contents and also includes the disposal of money, investments, savings, insurance, and superannuation.

There are a number of things consider when drafting a Will:

• Who will you appoint as your Executor?
• Who are the beneficiaries?
• Have you made adequate provisions for family?
• What will happen to your property?
• How can I ensure my wishes we will carried out?
• What about disputes or conflict after I am gone?
• How can I preserve family relationships?
• How can I reduce taxes?

At Cathy Stevenson & Associates, our lawyers will draft your Will in accordance with your wishes and advise you on the consequences, like how to reduce taxes, deal with family debts, and any other potential problems. A Will doesn’t necessarily ensure that your final wishes will be binding.

Sometimes a person will contest your wishes and make things more difficult. This is because they feel they are “entitled” to more than what the Will provided for. A person may also question the validity of the Will. There are a number of problems which can occur and often it leads to court proceedings. When family members are in conflict, we focus on mediation, as opposed to litigation as a last resort. Our aim is to save on legal costs, reducing stress at a difficult time, and preserving family relationships.

Areas of Wills & Estate Planning Law

• Single/Couples Wills
• Estate Planning Advice
• Power of Attorney
• Appointment of Enduring Guardian
• Probate and Administration
• Contesting/Defending a Will
• Family Provision Claim
• Intestacy Issues ( no Will )

At Cathy Stevenson & Associates, we help families plan for difficult times. Our lawyers take the time to understand our clients and listen to them. It is not always an easy conversation but an important one.

At Cathy Stevenson & Associates, we are the lawyers that listen.