Will Dispute Lawyers Sydney, NSW
PBL Law Group is a leading NSW law firm specialising in Will disputes, from challenging a Will’s validity to contesting for fair provision.
- Expert representation for all Will disputes.
- Challenging invalid Wills & contesting for fair provision.
- Protecting your rights as a beneficiary or dependent.
- Strategic advocacy in mediations & Supreme Court.
Speak to our NSW Will Dispute Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Who Our NSW Will Dispute Lawyers Help
Spouses & Partners
We represent spouses & children left with inadequate provision who need to contest a Will for their fair share.
Dependents & Relatives
We act for dependent grandchildren & other eligible persons who have been unfairly left out of a Will.
Those Suspecting an Invalid Will
We act for beneficiaries & family members who need to challenge a Will due to suspected fraud or undue influence.
Executors Defending the Will
We provide a robust defence for Executors who have a duty to uphold the Will against a claim or challenge.
Beneficiaries Named in the Will
We protect the inheritance of beneficiaries whose rightful share is at risk due to a dispute against the estate.
How Our Sydney Will Dispute Lawyers Can Help
Exclusion from a Will
We represent eligible persons who have been completely excluded from a Will, making a Family Provision Claim for their rightful share.
Unfair Distribution of Assets
For those left with an unfairly small inheritance, we build a strong case to contest the Will & secure your adequate provision.
Lack of Testamentary Capacity
We challenge Wills where the deceased lacked the mental capacity to understand the document they were signing.
Undue Influence & Coercion
We challenge Wills where the maker was pressured or coerced, resulting in a document that overrides their true wishes.
Will Fraud & Forgery
We manage challenges where a Will is suspected of being a forgery or was signed due to intentional deception.
Defending a Will
We also represent Executors & beneficiaries, providing a robust defence against any Will dispute, challenge, or claim.
Real 5-Star Client Reviews
Speak to Our Sydney Family Provision Claim Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Our Process to Win Your Will Dispute
1
Case Assessment
We confidentially assess your situation, advise on the strength of your claim, & outline the best legal strategy.
2
Building Your Case
Our lawyers gather crucial evidence & prepare a powerful case, whether you are challenging a Will or contesting it.
3
Negotiation & Mediation
We represent you in negotiations & mediation, aiming to resolve the dispute early & avoid a costly court battle.
4
Winning in Court
If unresolved, we fiercely advocate your case in the Supreme Court to secure your just & fair outcome.
Speak to Our Sydney Will Dispute Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Why Choose Our NSW Will Dispute Lawyers
1
Clear Communication
We provide clear, plain-English advice & you will have direct access to your lawyer for regular updates.
2
Fierce Legal Advocacy
Fierce representation in negotiations, mediations, & court to secure the inheritance you deserve.
3
Proven Dispute Experience
Decades of experience in all Will disputes, from validity challenges to Family Provision Claims.
4
Focus on Resolution
Our goal is to resolve your dispute early, protecting your inheritance from the cost & stress of court.
Visit Our Sydney Wills & Estate Lawyers
We provide expert wills & estate planning advice to clients across NSW. Meet with our team at our central Sydney CBD office, or at our regional offices in Gosford, Gorokan & Coffs Harbour.
Speak to Our Sydney Dispute a Will Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Is the Will Unfair or Invalid?
A Will dispute takes two main forms. You can ‘contest’ a valid Will for a fairer share if you’ve been left with inadequate provision (a Family Provision Claim).
Alternatively, you can ‘challenge’ an entire Will as invalid if you believe the deceased lacked capacity, was coerced, or the document is a fraud. Each path requires a completely different legal strategy. Our lawyers provide expert advice to determine the right claim for you.
You Must Act Quickly
In NSW, you have strict time limits to dispute a Will. For a Family Provision Claim, you generally have only 12 months from the date of death to file with the court.
If you miss this deadline, you can lose your right to claim forever. Seeking immediate legal advice is critical to protect your opportunity. Our Will dispute lawyers act fast to secure your position before it’s too late.
Speak to Our NSW Will Dispute Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
FAQs about Will DIsputes in NSW
What does it mean to 'dispute' a Will?
Disputing a Will can mean one of two things: ‘challenging’ the Will’s legal validity (e.g., claiming it’s a forgery), or ‘contesting’ the Will for a fairer share if you’ve been left with inadequate provision. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers provide expert advice on which path is right for you.
What is the difference between challenging and contesting a Will?
Challenging a Will disputes its validity due to issues like fraud or lack of capacity. Contesting a Will (a Family Provision Claim) accepts the Will is valid but argues the provision for you is inadequate. Our will dispute lawyers are experts in handling both types of claims.
Who can dispute a Will in NSW?
For a validity challenge, you need a legal interest in the outcome. For a Family Provision Claim, you must be an “eligible person,” like a spouse or child. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers in Sydney can provide a confidential assessment of your eligibility to make a claim.
What are the main grounds for challenging a Will's validity?
The most common grounds are a lack of testamentary capacity (not of sound mind), undue influence, coercion, fraud, or that the Will is a forgery. PBL Law Group’s specialist will dispute lawyers have extensive experience in building strong cases on all of these grounds.
Is there a time limit to dispute a Will?
Yes. For a Family Provision Claim, you have a strict 12-month time limit from the date of death. For a validity challenge, it’s crucial to act quickly before the estate is distributed. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers will ensure all critical deadlines are met for our clients.
Can I contest a Will if I was already left something?
Yes. If the inheritance you received is considered inadequate for your proper maintenance and support, you can still make a Family Provision Claim for a larger share. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers can help you assess the adequacy of your provision.
Can adult children contest their parent's Will?
Yes. Adult children are eligible persons and can make a Family Provision Claim, especially if they can demonstrate a genuine financial need for support. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers have a strong track record of success in these types of claims.
What happens if a Will is declared invalid?
If a Will is successfully challenged, the estate is distributed according to a previous valid Will or, if none exists, the laws of intestacy. Our will dispute lawyers can guide you through the implications of having a Will overturned.
Will I have to go to court for my Will dispute?
Not necessarily. The vast majority of Will disputes are resolved through negotiation or at a compulsory mediation before reaching a final court hearing. PBL Law Group’s Sydney will dispute lawyers are skilled negotiators focused on achieving an early settlement for you.
Who pays the legal costs in a Will dispute?
In many successful Family Provision Claims or reasonable validity challenges, the court orders the legal costs to be paid from the deceased’s estate. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers can provide clear advice on the likely costs in your matter.
What is the first step to dispute a Will?
The first step is to seek expert legal advice immediately to assess your eligibility and act within any strict time limits.
How do you prove a will-maker lacked mental capacity?
We gather crucial evidence, such as medical records and witness testimony, to show the will-maker did not understand what they were doing when they signed. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers have the expertise to build a compelling case on these grounds.
Can a stepchild or grandchild contest a Will?
They are not automatically eligible for a Family Provision Claim and must typically prove they were dependent on the deceased. PBL Law Group’s NSW will dispute lawyers can provide a clear assessment of your eligibility as a stepchild or grandchild.
Can a former spouse contest a Will?
Yes. In NSW, a former spouse is listed as an “eligible person” and has the right to make a Family Provision Claim. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers can provide expert guidance for former spouses seeking provision from an estate.
What is mediation in a Will dispute?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation where a neutral mediator helps all parties try to reach a settlement and avoid a costly court hearing. Our Sydney will dispute lawyers are experienced advocates who can represent you effectively at mediation.
Can I make a claim if there is no Will?
Yes. If the rigid rules of intestacy result in you receiving inadequate provision, an eligible person can still make a Family Provision Claim. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers can advise you on your rights in an intestate estate.
What is "notional estate"?
Notional estate refers to assets not directly in the Will (like joint property or superannuation) that a NSW court can “claw back” into the estate to satisfy a Family Provision Claim. PBL Law Group’s will dispute lawyers have specialised expertise in these complex claims.
Can I stop the estate from being distributed while I dispute the Will?
For a validity challenge, we can lodge a “probate caveat” with the Supreme Court. This temporarily freezes the estate, giving you time to build your case. Our lawyers can act quickly to lodge a caveat on your behalf.
Can superannuation be included in a Family Provision Claim?
Yes. In NSW, superannuation death benefits can often be designated as notional estate by the court, making them available to satisfy a successful claim. We have the experience needed to pursue these complex assets.
How long does a Will dispute take to resolve?
A dispute can resolve in several months if settled at mediation. If it proceeds to a contested court hearing, it can take a year or more. Our focus is always on achieving the most efficient resolution for you.
How Our NSW Wills & Estate Lawyers Can Assist You
Wills Drafting & Review
We draft & update clear, legally sound wills to ensure your final wishes are documented & protected.
Dispute a Will
Whether a Will is invalid or just unfair, we can help. We challenge Wills on grounds of incapacity or fraud & contest Wills for a fairer provision.
Defending a Will
We represent executors & beneficiaries to defend a will’s validity against challenges or family provision claims.
Family Provision Claims
Unfairly left out of a will? We help eligible persons contest a will & claim their fair share under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW).
Domestic Estate Planning
We create tailored estate plans to safeguard your Australian assets, minimise tax & provide for your loved ones.
International Estate Planning
Our experts advise on cross-border estate planning, international wills & trusts for tax-efficient global wealth transfer.
Grant of Probate
We guide executors through the Supreme Court process to obtain a Grant of Probate, validating the will & authorising you to act.
Enduring Power of Attorney
We prepare enduring powers of attorney to manage your future financial & legal decisions.
Enduring Guardianship
We draft enduring guardianships, appointing someone to make crucial personal, lifestyle & medical decisions if you’re unable.
Testamentary Trusts
We establish effective testamentary trusts within your will for superior asset protection, tax benefits & flexible beneficiary provision.
Intestacy Law & Advice
When a loved one dies without a will, we guide families through intestacy law to ensure the lawful distribution of assets.
Letters of Administration
We assist families in applying to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration when there is no valid will or executor.
Estate Administration
We help executors with the administration of deceased estates, ensuring the lawful & efficient collection & distribution of assets.
Advance Care Directives
We draft clear directives outlining your medical treatment & end-of-life wishes to ensure they’re respected.
Special Disability Trusts
We establish specialised trusts to provide for the long-term care & financial security of a loved one with a severe disability.
Speak to Our Sydney Will DIspute Lawyers Now
We will call you within 24 hours.
Latest Wills & Estate Planning Insights
Introduction Being appointed as an executor of a will for a deceased estate is a role of significant trust and legal responsibility. Many individuals who
Introduction Creating an estate plan requires special consideration when providing for a vulnerable loved one. A standard will may not adequately protect a
Introduction A comprehensive estate plan is not just about distributing your assets after you pass away; it also involves putting safeguards in place
Introduction When engaging in estate planning, choosing the right type of will is crucial to ensure your assets are managed and distributed according
Introduction Choosing an executor for your will is a critical step in estate planning that can profoundly affect family harmony. When a parent
Introduction When considering whether to contest a will in New South Wales (NSW), it is crucial to understand the strict legal time limits
Expert Legal Help For All Your Needs
Strata Law
Strata by-laws, strata disputes, building defects claims, setting up new Owners Corporations & more…
Construction & Building Law
Construction & building projects, disputes & litigation, building defects, delays & claims, debt recovery & more…
International Estate Planning
Cross-border estate planning, international wills & trusts, tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies & more…
Wills & Estates
Creating, updating & contesting wills, estate planning & administration, probate applications & more…
Commercial & Business Law
Starting & scaling your business, banking & business financing, bankruptcy & insolvency & more…
Planning & Environment Law
Environment & planning regulation, land and environment court disputes, sub-divisions & more…
