Wills & Estates

Estate Planning

Planning ahead and ensuring that the people you care about are financially protected before and after your death, is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. The process of considering how you want your assets to be distributed is usually referred to as “Estate Planning”.

We have extensive experience in estate planning, and our lawyers have the skill and discretion to plan your legacy with confidence and peace of mind.

We know that estate planning is more than just about having a Will. We look at your overall circumstances, and work out how best to plan your affairs so that your assets are distributed in the way you wish.

Our estate planning lawyers work closely with our family lawyers, and take into consideration any family separation or divorce issues when structuring your Will.

We are also knowledgeable in the area of superannuation, and ensure in all cases that your superannuation interests are taken into account when we plan your estate. We maintain excellent relationships with accounting firms and financial advisors all across Tasmania, and will work with your advisors when planning your estate.

Estate Litigation

Any person who considers that they had an entitlement from an estate can bring a claim before the Supreme Court if they are not happy with what they receive. Contesting a estate can be complex and stressful, but our experience in estate litigation helps make the process as streamlined and trouble free as possible.

Ogilvie Jennings employs some of Tasmania’s most experienced estate litigators, and we have substantial experience in both bringing and defending estate claims in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and can assist if you find yourself involved with such a situation. Ogilvie Jennings also has experience in appealing Superannuation decisions before the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal.

We have experience in:

• Applications to the Supreme Court of Tasmania for further provision from a deceased estate
• Applications for removal of executors/trustees
• Applications to revoke grants of probate
• Contested probate applications based on allegations of lack of capacity and/or undue influence
• Applications to the Court on questions of Will interpretation
• Probate & estate administration
• Superannuation death benefit applications

Importantly, we can discuss with you any aspects of your family circumstances which may ultimately result in claims being made against your estate, and help you to organise your affairs to minimise the prospects of such litigation being brought, or being brought successfully.