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We picked the most highly specialised and talented lawyers
At Chamberlains, our Wills and Estates practice is among the most respected in the country, with nationally recognised experts ready to offer guidance. We collaborate closely with accountants and financial advisers to deliver comprehensive and well-rounded advice to our clients.
Angela
Backhouse
Director
Ben Hatte
Director
Harold O’Brien
Director
Marissa Dimarco
Director
Mohamad
Mourtada
Senior Associate
Breshna Abawi
Associate
Reina Katsumata
Paralegal
Mia Topen
Paralegal
Our services
01 Will Drafting & Estate Structuring
Tailored, Plain‑English Wills
We prepare wills that clearly reflect your wishes, accommodate complex family circumstances, and set out practical instructions for executors. You will receive documents that are easy to understand and straightforward to administer, giving you confidence that your loved ones are protected.
Specific Gifts, Residual Clauses & Guardianship
We structure specific bequests, residue distribution, guardianship for minors, and substitution provisions to cover contingencies. This clarity helps prevent disputes and ensures your directions can be followed without confusion or delay.
Flexibility for Change
We design your will with future updates in mind, so you can adapt as your circumstances evolve. Our team offers ongoing support and reminders to review documents at the right moments, ensuring your plan stays relevant and effective.
02 Testamentary Trusts
Protecting Beneficiaries
We establish testamentary trusts to provide asset protection and staged distributions, particularly helpful for minors, vulnerable beneficiaries, or those facing relationship or creditor risks. This gives you control long after you’re gone and peace of mind that your loved ones are secure.
Tax‑Efficient Income Splitting
We leverage the tax advantages of testamentary trusts, including income distribution and concessions available for minors, to improve after‑tax outcomes for your family. Our advice ensures your wealth is managed wisely and efficiently.
Clear Governance & Trustee Support
We draft trust terms, appoint suitable trustees, and provide guidance on administration, record‑keeping, and beneficiary communication, delivered with sensitivity and practicality. You’ll have confidence that your trust operates smoothly and lawfully.
03 Enduring Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianships & Advance Care Directives
Appointment of Powers of Attorney
We prepare enduring powers of attorney (financial and personal) so trusted people can act on your behalf if you lose capacity. This ensures your affairs are managed responsibly and according to your wishes, even in challenging times.
Advance Care Directives & Appointment of Enduring Guardianships
We draft advance care directives and appointments of enduring guardianships to record your medical treatment preferences and decision‑makers. These documents provide clarity and comfort for your family when difficult decisions arise.
Practical Activation & Revocation
We explain how powers take effect, how they can be limited or revoked, and how to communicate them to banks, advisers, and medical providers, keeping everything simple and clear so you remain in control.
04 Superannuation & Death Benefit Nominations
Binding & Non‑Binding Nominations
We advise on the right nomination type for your fund and prepare trustee submissions to align outcomes with your estate plan. This helps avoid unintended distributions and tax surprises, giving you certainty about where your benefits will go.
Dependants, Tax & Payment Options
We explain tax differences for dependants vs non‑dependants and structure payments (lump sums or pensions where available) to suit beneficiary needs and goals. Our guidance ensures your loved ones receive the best possible outcome.
Trustee Engagement & Evidence
We coordinate evidence for trustees and respond to fund queries, ensuring decisions are well‑supported and timely. Our goal is clarity, fairness, and alignment with your broader plan, delivered with care and professionalism.
05 Asset Protection & Ownership Structuring
Risk‑Aware Structures
We review how your assets are held, personal names, joint tenancy, companies, trusts, and recommend changes to mitigate litigation and insolvency risks. Sound structures protect what you’ve built and keep your wealth secure for future generations.
Alignment with Estate Outcomes
We synchronise ownership, control, and succession (including shareholdings and trust appointor roles) with your estate documents so distributions occur as intended. This ensures your plan works seamlessly across all entities.
Documentation & Implementation
We handle deeds, minutes, title updates, and registrations, collaborating with your advisers to ensure changeovers are compliant, efficient, and well‑documented. You’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is executed correctly.