WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY
LAWYERS MELBOURNE

Fixed Fee for Wills & Power of Attorney with Clear Advice

Planning for the future does not need to feel overwhelming.

Our Melbourne wills and powers of attorney lawyers provide clear, practical advice to help you protect your family, your assets and your wishes.

Without a properly drafted will, your estate may be distributed according to strict legal rules rather than your intentions. We also assist you to put in place enduring powers of attorney so trusted people can make financial and personal decisions if you are unable to do so.

Clear, practical advice

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Fixed Fee Available

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Our wills and power of attorney services are designed to give you clarity, control and peace of mind for the future

  • We prepare both simple and complex wills that clearly set out your wishes and minimise uncertainty for your loved ones.

    For more tailored needs, we draft testamentary trusts to provide long-term protection and flexibility.

  • We help you appoint a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf.

    This ensures your affairs can continue to be managed if you are unable to make decisions yourself.

  • We help you appoint a trusted person to make medical and treatment decisions on your behalf.

    This ensures your healthcare wishes are respected if you are unable to make those decisions yourself.

Practical answers to common wills & power of attorney questions

  • Yes, a will can be challenged after death, but the type of challenge matters.

    The most common types are:

    • Family provision claims — where someone argues they were not adequately provided for

    • Validity challenges — for example, lack of capacity, undue influence, or issues with signing the will

    • Interpretation disputes — where the wording is unclear or causes confusion

    While you cannot eliminate the risk entirely, you can significantly reduce it by:

    • Having your will properly drafted and executed

    • Using clear and unambiguous language

    • Obtaining medical evidence of capacity if there are any concerns

    • Recording your reasons if you are excluding or treating someone unequally

    • Appointing a reliable executor (and a backup)

    • Making sure your will aligns with your superannuation and asset structure

    • Updating your will after major life changes

    In practical terms, the strongest protection is a will that is clear, current and well thought out.

  • If you do not have a valid will, your estate is distributed according to strict legal rules, not your personal wishes.

    Someone, usually a partner or adult child, will need to apply to the Court for authority to administer your estate.

    The practical consequences can include:

    • A spouse or de facto partner receiving most or all of the estate

    • Blended families having to share the estate in ways you may not have intended

    • An estranged spouse potentially still receiving a share

    • Stepchildren not receiving anything unless legally adopted

    • No executor or guardian being formally appointed

    Dying without a will often leads to delays, higher costs and outcomes that do not reflect what you would have wanted.

  • Usually not.

     Superannuation does not automatically form part of your estate. It is dealt with separately, depending on your fund and any nominations you have in place.

    Your super may be paid:

    • According to a valid binding death benefit nomination

    • Directly to an eligible dependant under the fund rules

    • To your estate, in which case your will then applies

    This is important because your super may not follow your will at all.

    For this reason, your will and your superannuation nominations should be coordinated carefully. If they do not align, your estate plan may not work as intended.

  • This depends on your children’s ages, needs and your overall asset structure, but there are some key steps you can take.

    You should:

    • Have a valid and up-to-date will

    • Clearly set out what each child is to receive

    • Consider a testamentary trust if children are young or require protection

    • Appoint a guardian for minor children

    • Set conditions or ages for when children receive larger assets

    • Plan for education, medical or other ongoing needs

    • Ensure your super and insurance arrangements align with your will

    • Address blended family situations clearly and directly

    A well-structured estate plan reduces the risk of disputes and gives clear guidance to those administering your estate.

  • Your executor is responsible for managing your estate after you pass away, so it is an important decision.

    A suitable executor is someone who is:

    • Trustworthy and organised

    • Capable of handling financial and administrative tasks

    • Able to act fairly if there is family tension

    • Willing to take on the responsibility

    You can appoint a spouse, adult child, trusted person, or even a professional. It is also wise to appoint a backup executor.

    Their role generally includes:

    • Locating your will and arranging your funeral

    • Identifying and securing your assets

    • Applying for probate

    • Paying debts, tax and expenses

    • Managing and distributing the estate

    • Communicating with beneficiaries

    • Dealing with any claims against the estate

    This is a legal role with real responsibility, not just a formality.

  • You should review your will whenever there is a significant change in your life.

    This includes:

    • Marriage or entering a new relationship

    • Separation or divorce

    • Having or adopting a child

    • A change in your assets or financial position

    • Starting or selling a business

    • The death or incapacity of an executor or beneficiary

    • Changes in family dynamics, especially in blended families

    Even without a major event, it is sensible to review your will every few years.

    Separation is particularly important. If you pass away without updating your will, an estranged spouse may still have a claim.

    Updating your will at the right time ensures your wishes are properly reflected and reduces the risk of unintended outcomes.

Legal Firm in Melbourne.

Why Clients Choose SSB Legal

We understand that wills and power of attorney matters are personal and important. Our role is to provide clear advice and practical solutions so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Compassionate guidance during sensitive times

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Fixed fee options available

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Experienced with simple & complex drafting

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Flexible appointments (online or in-person)

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Proudly servicing clients across Melbourne, including North Melbourne, Kensington, Footscray, Carlton, Parkville, Maribyrnong, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Seddon and surrounding suburbs.

Proudly Serving Melbourne

Book A Free Consultation

We offer a complimentary 30-minute initial consultation for new clients.

Appointments are flexible, meet with us in person at our North Melbourne office, or connect via phone or video, whatever suits you best.

We’re here to provide clear, compassionate, and practical legal advice every step of the way.

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