Wills & Estates Lawyers Sydney Our lawyers advise individuals, executors and beneficiaries on wills, estate planning, probate and estate disputes. Whether you’re planning ahead, or managing or contesting an estate after a death, our practical advice and decisive representation help you protect your position and move matters forward. Book a consultation

Decisive legal advice across wills, estates and disputes

Wills and estates matters are rarely as straightforward as they seem. They often arise at difficult moments – such as periods of family tension or after a recent death – and involve competing interests and claims.

Our Sydney-based wills and estate lawyers understand the importance of providing careful advice, sound judgement and a strategy that protects your legal position.

We take a measured and disciplined approach to estate planning, administration and disputes that focuses on drafting wills and other documents designed to withstand challenge. We also guide executors through their responsibilities with confidence, resolving contested matters efficiently and cost effectively wherever we can.

Services our wills and estate planning lawyers provide

Our Sydney-based wills & estate lawyers advise both individuals and families on everything from proper estate planning – including wills, trusts and powers of attorney – through to contesting complex wills.

Wills and Estate Planning

Estate planning is about making sure your assets pass where you intend them to when you die. That means ensuring the right person is empowered to manage your affairs as executor and that unnecessary disputes or delays are avoided.

Our experienced lawyers can help you devise and implement an estate planning strategy specifically tailored to your personal and financial circumstances.

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Probate

When someone dies leaving a valid will, the executor usually needs to apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for a Grant of Probate. This confirms the will and formally authorises the executor to administer the estate.

Although Probate is often procedural, it carries legal responsibility. If you’ve been appointed executor, you need to identify assets, deal with banks and property transfers, satisfy creditors and account properly to beneficiaries. Any errors or delay can expose you to personal risk and prolong the administration process.

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Letters of Administration

Where a person dies without a valid will or where no executor is willing or able to act, you usually need to apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for Letters of Administration. The court then appoints an administrator to manage and distribute the estate in line with intestacy laws.

However, this administrator carries legal obligations and can be personally accountable if the estate is not handled properly.

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Will Disputes and Family Provision Claims

Estate disputes can arise for many reasons, including over questions about testamentary capacity, allegations of undue influence, concerns about the validity of a will or claims that adequate provision was not made.

They also operate within strict procedural time limits, meaning early assessment and careful strategy are key to succeeding, especially when significant assets and complex family relationships are at stake.

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Contact Us

If you are after professional legal advice, please contact the Elkheir Partners office and one of our friendly staff will assist with your enquiry.

Call: (02) 8201 3929

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client testimonials

What clients say about our Sydney wills & estates lawyers

  • Kazem is highly knowledgeable, strategic in his approach, and always puts his clients’ best interests first. His communication is clear and timely, and he consistently goes the extra mile to ensure everything is handled thoroughly and efficiently.

    Mohammad Alamin
  • From the very beginning, Kazem showed exceptional professionalism, genuine compassion and a deep understanding of my situation.

    Nouhad Zaydan
  • What truly sets [Bashaar] apart is his work ethic and determination. He goes above and beyond for his clients, thoroughly preparing every matter and advocating strongly to secure the best possible result.

    Wayne Pike

Meet our Wills & Estate Law Practice Leads

Kazem Elkheir and Bash Elkheir lead our wills and estates practice, advising individuals and families on estate planning, probate and estate administration, as well as contested wills and family provision claims.

Together, they assist clients on matters ranging from preparing wills and structuring estate arrangements through to resolving complex disputes involving estates, family relationships and competing claims. Their combined backgrounds in commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution also enable them to advise on matters involving trusts, business interests and more complex asset structures.

Before co-founding Elkheir Partners, Kazem practised as a lawyer for global professional services firm Deloitte, as well as at one of Sydney’s leading commercial law firms. Bash began his legal career at a well-known commercial law firm where he advised multinational clients on complex tax matters..

Clients value Kazem and Bash’s practical and measured approach, particularly in matters involving sensitive family issues and significant financial consequences. Whether helping families plan for the future or resolve disputes after a loved one’s death, Kazem and Bash focus on providing clear advice, identifying risks early and helping clients navigate difficult situations with confidence.

Wills & estates lawyers serving Sydney and beyond

Our wills & estates lawyers are based in the Sydney CBD, and represent clients from across Sydney and around Australia. We regularly appear in the NSW Supreme Court on wills and Probate matters and disputes, as well as other supreme courts.

We also regularly represent clients in wills & estates disputes in Parramatta, Western Sydney, North Sydney and the Inner West.

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FAQs about Wills & Estates Lawyers

Do I really need a lawyer to prepare a will?

Strictly speaking, no. However, poorly drafted wills are one of the most common causes of estate-related delays, disputes and unnecessary costs.

After all, a well-drafted will should do more than simply distribute assets. It should reflect the deceased (or testator’s) intentions, account for multiple potential scenarios and anticipate the possibility of challenge and be capable of withstanding it.

When should I update my will?

You should review your will after any significant life event, including marriage, separation, divorce and the birth of children or grandchildren. You should also update if you acquire substantial assets, start or sell a business, retire or make changes to your superannuation arrangements. Outdated wills often create administrative problems and increase the likelihood of disputes.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

If someone dies without a valid will, the estate is distributed according to statutory intestacy rules. This may not reflect the deceased’s intentions and can create complications, particularly in blended families or where they held assets in complex structures.

If someone you know has died without a will, and you’re responsible for sorting out their estate, you must apply for Letters of Administration before you can manage or distribute it.

How long does probate take in NSW?

For straightforward matters, you can often probate within weeks of filing. However, delays can arise where documents are incomplete, assets are difficult to identify or there are concerns about the validity of the will.

By preparing properly and engaging quality legal advice, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of delay.

Who can challenge a will in NSW?

Certain categories of people are eligible to bring a family provision claim if they believe they haven’t been adequately provided for under a will. This includes spouses, de facto partners, children and, in some cases, other dependants.

However, because strict time limits apply, it’s vital you get early legal advice on your rights to challenge (or defend) a will.

What’s a family provision claim?

A family provision claim is an application to the court where a family member or dependant seeks further payment from an estate. When considering a family provision claim, the court takes into account factors such as financial need, the claimant’s relationship with the deceased, the size of the estate and any competing beneficiaries.

These claims are often resolved through negotiation before a final hearing.

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