Protect what you've built.
Look after the people who matter.
From a properly drafted will through to administering an estate or defending one in court — Brooklyn Lawyers acts for individuals, executors and beneficiaries across Sydney with practical, plain-English advice.
Wills & estate planning
- Wills — from straightforward to complex family and business structures
- Powers of attorney
- Appointment of enduring guardian
- Advice on executors, guardianship of children and specific gifts
- Reviewing and updating existing wills after major life events
Probate & administration
- Applications for probate in the NSW Supreme Court
- Letters of administration where there is no will
- Guidance for executors on their duties and personal exposure
- Estate administration — collecting assets, paying debts, distributing
- Transfers and sales of estate property, handled in-house
Estate disputes & family provision claims
Disputes over estates are increasingly common — and they have strict time limits. In NSW, a family provision claim must generally be commenced within twelve months of the date of death.
We act on both sides: for executors and beneficiaries defending an estate against a claim, and for eligible persons who have been left out of a will or inadequately provided for. As a firm that practises litigation daily, we can run these matters ourselves rather than handing them off.
- Family provision claims under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW)
- Defending estates against claims, including negotiated settlements
- Disputes about the validity of a will
- Executor and beneficiary disputes
- Estate litigation in the Supreme Court of NSW
Wills & estates FAQs
Do I really need a lawyer to make a will?
You can buy a will kit, but home-made wills are a steady source of estate litigation — unclear wording, improper witnessing and assets that don't pass under the will at all (like superannuation and jointly held property) cause real problems for the people you leave behind. A properly drafted will usually costs far less than fixing a defective one.
What does an executor actually have to do?
An executor identifies and protects the estate's assets, obtains probate if required, pays the debts, and distributes to beneficiaries — and can be personally liable for getting it wrong. We guide executors through each step, or take the administration off their hands entirely.
Someone has died without a will. What happens?
The estate passes under the intestacy rules in the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), and a family member usually applies for letters of administration to deal with the assets. We can advise who is entitled to apply and handle the application.
I've been left out of a will. Can I do anything?
Possibly. Eligible persons — including spouses, children and certain dependants — can apply for provision from an estate, but strict time limits apply, generally twelve months from death. If you think you may have a claim, get advice early.
In their words
Ash has been an invaluable resource throughout our business acquisition journey. He approached every aspect of the process with the same dedication as if it were his own, providing clear and thorough explanations of all contractual terms and conditions. His keen attention to detail and support ensured a seamless and efficient settlement. We highly recommend his services.Gizem S. — Business acquisition client
We can’t thank Ash and his team enough — so professional, a wealth of experience and knowledge. We sold our home after 24 years to a developer who messed us around, and we had no understanding of what was going on. Thank goodness we had Ash on our side. We highly recommend Ash and his team.Noni N. — Property sale client
Reviews published with our clients’ permission.
Wills & estates, topic by topic
Wills
Making or updating a will, executors, guardianship and correct signing.
Powers of attorney
General and enduring powers of attorney for your financial and legal affairs.
Appointment of enduring guardian
Personal, lifestyle and medical decisions if you lose capacity.
Probate & administration
Probate, letters of administration and administering an estate in NSW.
Family provision claims
Contesting a will or defending an estate — and the 12-month time limit.
Talk to us about your will or an estate.
Whether you're planning ahead, administering an estate, or dealing with a dispute — tell us the situation and we'll come back to you promptly.