Wills & Estates

Planning for the Future, Protecting Your Family

Thinking about your Will and estate can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your loved ones. We make the process simple, clear, and reassuring.

Irvine Lawyers provides practical advice on Wills, Powers of Attorney, and managing deceased estates. We’re here to give you peace of mind, knowing your wishes are clear and your family is protected.

A clear, legally sound estate plan is the best gift you can give your family. At Irvine Lawyers, we are practical wills and estates lawyers helping individuals and families across Victoria. Whether you’re based in Warrnambool, South Morang, or greater Melbourne, our team is here to listen to what matters most to you.

We guide everyone, from young families needing their first Will, to retirees updating their plans, to executors needing help navigating their duties. We cut through the legal jargon and provide a clear path forward for your estate planning, ensuring your assets are protected and your wishes are honoured. As experienced estate planning lawyers in Victoria, we help you plan for every stage of life.

Our Wills & Estates Services Include

Drafting & Updating Your Will: We prepare clear, legally valid Wills that reflect your wishes and ensure your assets are distributed the way you intend.
Probate Applications: We assist executors in applying for a Grant of Probate where there is a valid Will, helping to ensure the estate is administered in accordance with the deceased’s wishes.
Letters of Administration: Where there is no Will, we assist families in applying for Letters of Administration so the estate can be legally managed and distributed.
Estate Administration: We provide guidance and support to executors and beneficiaries throughout the estate administration process, including asset collection, debt management, and distribution of assets.

Google Review

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Laurie highly enough.

We had a very urgent situation where a loan needed to settle within two days, and we desperately needed a solicitor to review guarantor loan documents to make settlement happen on time. Laurie stepped in immediately and was willing to help even outside of normal working hours, which made all the difference.

As a mortgage broker, I understand how critical timing and responsiveness are in these situations, and Laurie was not only incredibly professional but also genuinely lovely to deal with throughout the process.

Thanks to his help, everything was reviewed in time and the settlement went through smoothly. We’re extremely grateful and I’ll definitely be sending more clients his way.

Thank you again, Laurie!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   JESSIE BOYCE 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are always there to support with my family circumstances changing. I am grateful for the personal feel and professional service. Thank you Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   natalieboughosn 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer I have come across in years, very thorough, very informative and just an all round honest and genuine bloke
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   nadia costello 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luary great service knowledge of the situation excellent
  
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   Charlie Scicluna 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good advice from Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Russell

Contact us today to speak to our team

Should you find yourself in a corner, Irvine Lawyers will stand by your side and fight for you until the end. Contact us today to speak to our team. We have lawyers in Warrnambool and South Morang ready to speak to you.

FAQs: Wills & Estates

What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is a legal document where you (the ‘principal’) appoint someone you trust (your ‘attorney’) to make decisions about your finances and/or personal matters (like where you live). It’s ‘enduring’ because it continues even if you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself.

What is an Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker?

In Victoria, this document allows you to appoint a specific person (your ‘decision maker’) to make medical treatment decisions for you if you are unable to communicate them yourself.

What happens if I die without a Will in Victoria?

This is called dying ‘intestate’. If this happens, the law dictates how your assets are distributed according to a set formula. This formula may not match your wishes and can often lead to costly delays and disputes for your family.

When is Probate needed in Victoria?

Probate is typically required when the deceased person owned real estate in their sole name or had significant assets in their name. Asset holders (like banks) often require a Grant of Probate before they will release funds to the executor.

How long does it take to get Probate in Victoria?

After we advertise the application, it typically takes the Supreme Court of Victoria anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to process and issue a Grant of Probate, assuming the application is straightforward. However, timeframes can vary depending on the Court’s workload

Can't I just use a cheap Will kit?

While Will kits seem simple, they are a major cause of future legal disputes. They often don’t account for complex assets like superannuation, family trusts, or blended families. A small mistake can make the Will invalid, costing your family far more in the long run than the cost of professional advice.