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Trusted estate planning lawyers

Estate planning is a deeply personal journey. You want to ensure your loved ones are protected and looked after when you’re no longer around, but you also want to make sure the assets that you’ve spent your life working so hard to build up are distributed to the right people.

Our estate planning lawyers will make sure you have the right estate plan in place, not just for peace of mind, but also to avoid costly and irreparable family disputes.

Estate Planning Lawyers

Your partner in estate planning

Modern assets and family structures are complex, and can be tricky to navigate when planning your estate for the future transfer of your wealth. Our team of experienced and highly regarded estate planning lawyers are here to guide and support you, ensuring both your legacy and assets are protected.

Our lawyers have extensive experience, and will deliver:

 

  • Unparalleled legal guidance and specialised expertise
  • A proactive approach to estate planning
  • Transparent and commercially driven strategies
  • Comprehensive estate planning documents to give you the right protection and the right outcomes

A complex area of law, one you need to get right

In today’s complex legal and societal landscape, estate planning has become more important than ever – especially in Australia where family structures are more dynamic and asset portfolios are far more sophisticated than in years gone by. Properly drafted estate plans not only offer peace of mind but can also go a long way in preventing the pitfalls of costly litigation and family discord. Expert legal advice and open family conversations are vital in navigating this complicated terrain – and we’re here to help.

The bedrock of any estate plan is of course a good Will, but it also includes a range of other important legal documents to safeguard your legacy, including:

  • Testamentary Trusts within your Will
  • Discretionary and Protective Trusts
  • Enduring Powers of Attorney
  • Enduring Powers of Guardianship
  • Advance Health Directives
  • Director Nominations for companies
  • Binding Death Nominations for your superannuation
  • Special Disability Trusts

Our estate planning team can help with all of these so that you can spend more time doing the things that really matter to you knowing that your tomorrow and the tomorrow of your loved ones is in great shape.

Client testimonials

From individuals to families, from startups to large corporations, professional groups to charitable foundations - we’ve stood beside a diverse range of clients helping them best navigate their legal journey when it comes to protecting assets and securing legacies. Here’s what some of them have to say.

Review for Morgan Solomon
Morgan Solomon
"What we appreciated most about working with Morgan Solomon was his extraordinary ability to absorb and process information on his feet and cut through peripheral issues. A good lawyer needs to remain calm, collected and outcome focussed throughout a tough negotiation. Morgan ticked all of these boxes, and more. He’s also a wonderful guy and really easy to work with."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Brandon Hetherington
Brandon Hetherington
"Brandon and the team and SHL were excellent to deal with. Their advice was clear and articulated in a manner that I could understand. They worked to some critical deadlines that I had which was very important. I would highly recommend and will certainly use their services again in the future. I would like to recommend Brandon Hetherington, Brandon has been amazing. Without his professionalism I probably would of going crazy. He explained everything in layman terms, which was great. Thanks once again, if you need a lawyer this is the place to go."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Jessica Spee
Jessica Spee
"Recently we consulted Solomon Hollet Lawyers to deal with some family matters on my behalf. In relation to a will. They were fantastic. Professional right from the start to the end. They made the process very comforting indeed. Originally I got onto them via a way of a 15 minute free phone call which I found on the internet. Jessica Spee was our lawyer and we established an awesome rapport with her. What was originally thought to be a massive headache for us was made very simple by Jessica. Her staff were professional and outstanding in their customer service delivery. Thanks Jessica your a total professional and I cannot highly recommend her and her company enough. Thanks a heap Jessica"
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Morgan Solomon
Morgan Solomon
"This firm is friendly, helpful and accessible - from the first person that answers the phone, they make you feel welcome and at ease. I had a consultation with Morgan Solomon and cannot recommend him highly enough. His early advice, for which I am incredibly grateful, has most likely saved me from a lengthy and expensive legal battle and many sleepless nights worrying about my situation. Morgan is not only an expert in his field, he is excellent at explaining applicable laws and the pros and cons of different courses of action to his clients. Thank you, Morgan, and everyone at Solomon Hollett Lawyers."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Andrew Bower
Andrew Bower
"Andrew Bower represented me in a very messy business partnership dispute. Andrew’s professional conduct, court mannerisms and high quality of work was amazing! His knowledge of the legal system and attention to detail gave me peace of mind every step of the way. The last 12 months have been a stressful legal roller coater ride and in December Andrew put a successful end to that chapter. I would highly recommend Andrew and I cannot thank him enough. Andrew Bower from Solomon Hollett law firm is an extremely professional, knowledgeable, pro active lawyer that owns the client's problem, and do everything possible to help the client succeed with great care, loyalty, passion and dedication. Strongly recommended. Andrew's professional advice and guidance has saved our business thousands and a lot of heartache. Highly recommend Andrew and Solomon Hollett Lawyers."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Annabel Pizzata
Annabel Pizzata
"We had an excellent experience with Annabel at Solomon Hollett Lawyers recently. Annabel helped us out through an estate matter that we wouldn’t have been able to deal with ourselves. She was very professional, helpful and prompt in all of our interactions. I would recommend them very highly."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Morgan Solomon
Morgan Solomon
"We engaged Solomon Hollett to represent us (executors) in a challenging and frustrating Estate matter. We cannot praise both Morgan Solomon and Matthew Gunn highly enough for the extremely professional and understanding approach they took and their attention to detail. Their knowledge of both the law and estate procedures was second to none and their communication skills were outstanding. We settled the matter at mediation thanks in large part to their support and guidance. I would very strongly recommend them."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Craig Hollett
Craig Hollett
"I recently employed Craig Hollett when my partner required defence in a complex criminal matter. From the outset of this very difficult journey, Craig’s professional and approachable manner put me at ease. Navigating foreign legal processes was incredibly unnerving, but Craig’s extensive knowledge and patient explanation made the experience far less daunting. Craig was always available to me when I required advice and guidance, which made me feel as though there was someone I could trust in the midst of a great deal of turbulence. Although he was kind and reassuring, Craig was straight down the line and made sure I was fully aware of all possible outcomes, even when it was not what I wanted to hear. The compassion and genuine concern he showed was extraordinary, as was his unwavering performance in court. With Craig’s guidance, we were able to obtain the best outcome we could expect, and I will be forever grateful to him. I could not be more pleased with the service that Craig provided and would not hesitate to recommend him."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Andrew Bower
Andrew Bower
"Our experience with Solomon Hollett Lawyers was nothing short of fantastic. We found ourselves in a tough spot when a client unexpectedly canceled a contract early, leaving us hanging with unpaid invoices and other charges for months. Andrew Bower, came highly recommended from another lawyer and lived up to every expectation. Not only were him and his team incredibly knowledgeable about the intricacies of contract law, but they handled our case with the utmost professionalism and expertise. What truly set them apart was their ability to translate all that legal terminology into layman's terms that we could easily grasp. It made navigating the complexities of our situation a breeze. Thanks to their guidance and skillful negotiation, we were able to resolve the matter in our favor. We couldn't be happier with the outcome! They consistently deliver exceptional service, demonstrating proficiency at every juncture. Highly recommended!"
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Morgan Solomon
Morgan Solomon
"Very grateful to be able to deal with Morgan and the rest of the team. They ask the right questions, arrive at the best possible solutions and are extremely thorough. Highly recommended for their professionalism and clarity provided."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Brandon Hetherington
Brandon Hetherington
"The last few months have caused a significant amount of stress for me around an estate matter. I wasn't sure what to expect when I searched for legal assistance since I have never had to use the services of a law firm before. Other Google reviews led me to Solomon Hollett Lawyers where I found Brandon to be very helpful and knowledgeable. Just knowing that he was supporting me in this matter made all the difference and helped to facilitate a positive outcome."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Craig Hollett
Craig Hollett
"We are very grateful to Craig for his outstanding work. Craig was highly professional, clear about his role and what he could do for us and he handled our case with an incisive precision. Craig fully and respectfully explained the processes and complexities of the case in a language that made sense to us and he outlined in detail steps that we had to take. What impressed us most was his willingness to understand the complexities of our Church structures and laws and take on board our principles and concerns. We cannot recommend Craig highly enough."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Andrew Bower
Andrew Bower
"I highly recommend Solomon Hollett Lawyers and in particular Andrew Bower. I was very anxious about my particular situation and Andrew was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He put my mind at ease and I was grateful to have him in our corner. He was friendly and approachable and explained everything that was happening each step of the way and was also with us at the hearing which we won. I can’t thank him enough."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Brandon Hetherington
Brandon Hetherington
"We had a great experience with Brandon from Solomon Hollett. From the first phone call, I could tell that he had a solid grasp of our situation and what we wanted to achieve. He was very helpful and very responsive throughout our dealings with him. He got everything done in a timely way and we're very happy with the result. Definitely recommended! Thanks, Brandon. "
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Craig Hollett
Craig Hollett
"Craig was very reassuring from the outset, helping our family out of a building jam we found ourselves in. Andrew was also very proficient. With their help, we achieved what we set out to achieve quickly and efficiently. We will certainly contact Craig and Andrew if needed in the future."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Matt Gunn
Matt Gunn
"I highly recommend Matt Gunn and Solomon Hollett lawyers. I had a matter with the executor of my uncles estate. It was highly stressful but Matt not only resolved the issues but was very understanding and professional about it. Many thanks."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Brandon Hetherington
Brandon Hetherington
"Brandon Hetherington has been an absolute Godsend for us in a very difficult and stressful estate matter, which the Executor had been mishandling and dragging on for many years before we bought Brandon in to act. Prior to this, his advice and guidance kept us sane. All our enquiries were handled promptly and saved us from many sleepless nights. Without his help we would still be in estate limbo. We can't thank Brandon and Jessica Spee enough for their professionalism, empathy and support. They have got us through and we can now finally move on. Hopefully we never need their services again but I wouldn't trust anyone else with such important matters."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Annabel Pizzata
Annabel Pizzata
"Annabel from Solomon Hollett Lawyers was extremely reliable, helpful and friendly when dealing with myself and my mum regarding our matter. The services provided were professional and timely, and Annabel communicated with us regularly to ensure we were up to date with the progress of our matter. I’d be more than happy to recommend Annabel and Solomon Hollett Lawyers to anyone with estate issues."
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.
Review for Jessica Spee
Jessica Spee
"Jessica Spee was exceptional helping my partner and I navigating the settlement of our first property. She was incredibly knowledgeable, courteous, punctual and made the which seemed like a daunting task enjoyable . I would highly reccommend Jessica to anyone and everyone"
The privacy of our clients is important to us, but should you wish, we’re more than happy to provide client first names behind each of the testimonials upon request.

Discover the Solomon
Hollett difference

Personalised legal solutions

We understand the complexities you’re facing. Your litigation needs are unique and nuanced, so we tailor our legal strategies to align perfectly with your specific circumstances, guiding you with precision and dedication every step of the way.

Comprehensive legal knowledge

Rest assured that you’re in capable and experienced hands. Our extensive expertise across diverse legal arenas ensures that we’re equipped to guide you through the most pressing litigation challenges and opportunities, from commercial law and contract disputes to partnership conflicts and beyond.

Client-centric approach

Your peace of mind matters to us. We prioritise clear communication and steadfast support, focusing on securing outcomes that restore your calm and confidence.

Proven track record

Count on us to stand by you. Renowned for our commitment to excellence and a legacy of success in commercial litigation, we’re here to protect your interests with proven strategies that work.

Accessible and timely legal services

We’re here when you need us. With responsive service and flexible scheduling, we ensure that you receive legal guidance promptly, accommodating your needs and easing your stress during critical times.

Transparent and up-front

We’re upfront about the cost of what we do, so you know what you are committing to. We focus on the proportion of the fees to the value of the matter, making the return on your investment easy to ascertain from the get-go.

Why estate planning is so important

A comprehensive estate plan is essential in protecting your legacy and ensuring your loved ones will be looked after. Here’s why.

Your Wills and estates planning toolkit

From smart estate planning tools to avoiding common planning mistakes. Everything you need in one place.

Frequently
asked
questions

Can’t find what you are looking for?

Who needs an estate plan?

Virtually everyone can benefit from having some form of an estate plan, regardless of age, marital status, or financial situation – although a great time to start is when you have your first serious job that comes with superannuation – and often insurance policies automatically tied to it. Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to ensure that their assets and affairs are managed according to their wishes in case of incapacity or death. This can include distributing assets, making healthcare decisions, and ensuring that your loved ones are provided for.

READ MORE about why having an estate plan is so important. 

How often should an estate plan be updated?

The general guideline is to review your estate plan every three to five years. But it’s also crucial to update your estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in financial status or business interests, or the death of a named beneficiary or Executor. Changes in tax laws may also warrant a review and update of your estate planning documents.

How can I include charitable giving in my estate plan?

There are various ways to incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan. You can specify a certain sum of money or a percentage of your estate to go to a charity of your choice directly in your Will. Alternatively, you can set up a Charitable Trust that can provide for both your loved ones and chosen charities, often with tax benefits. Charitable remainder Trusts and donor-advised funds are other popular options for incorporating philanthropy into your estate plan. An estate planning lawyer can provide tailored advice based on your particular circumstances and goals to ensure the right strategies are in place to facilitate this.

How can I protect my digital assets?

Digital assets include everything from social media accounts and digital photographs to online bank accounts and cryptocurrency. To protect these, you should first make an inventory of all your digital assets and their corresponding passwords. Next, specify how you want these assets to be managed in your estate plan. You can name a “digital Executor” who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes regarding these assets. Keep in mind that laws surrounding digital assets are still evolving, so it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer to make sure you comply with current legislation.

What steps can I take to minimise the risk of a Will contest or estate dispute?

To reduce the likelihood of your Will being contested or an estate dispute arising, getting the right advice from legal experts in the field is critical to ensure clarity and thoroughness in your estate planning documents are key. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Be as specific as possible in your Will to avoid ambiguities.
  2. Clearly state your reasons for how you are distributing your assets, especially if it’s unequal among beneficiaries.
  3. Make sure your Will is properly witnessed and notarized, following all legal formalities.
  4. Keep your beneficiaries informed about the general structure of your estate plan to manage expectations.
  5. Update your Will regularly to reflect any changes in your situation or wishes.
  6. Engaging the right succession and estate lawyer to ensure your wishes are best laid out and all the right documentation is in place.

Consult our skilled estate planning team to help you navigate these issues effectively.

Can I use my Will to nominate who will take care of my kids after I’m gone?

In Western Australia, you can use your Will to appoint a guardian for your children, but this usually only takes effect if you’re the last surviving parent, and lasts until the child turns 18. The other surviving parent generally assumes guardianship regardless of your Will’s provisions. The Family Court has the final say in disputes or if no guardian is appointed. When drafting your Will, consider practical factors like the guardian’s relationship with the child, their personal circumstances, and their relationship with your Will’s Executor. Your Will serves as a strong tool to record your wishes, especially as improper guardianship can lead to financial disputes and instability for your children.

I’m a single parent and the other parent has no contact. Can I nominate a guardian outside the family?

As a single parent, you can nominate anyone as the legal guardian for your minor children in your Will, but the Family Court has the final say and will act in the child’s best interests. Even a non-involved parent can apply for custody after your death and is likely to be granted it, barring extreme circumstances.

To strengthen your case for your chosen guardian, you can establish a ‘fighting fund’ in your Will. To protect your children’s inheritance, it’s advisable to have a well-drafted Will with a Trust in place. By selecting trustworthy Trustees, you can ensure your children’s financial well-being, even if the other parent gains custody.

What happens to my Super?

Superannuation (Super) is often misunderstood in estate planning even though it’s a significant asset for many. Super is not covered by your Will; instead, it’s governed by your Super Fund Trust Deed and the Superannuation Industry Supervision Act (SIS Act). The fund’s Trustee decides who receives your Super upon your death, based on a limited set of options: spouse, de facto spouse, child, someone in an ‘interdependency relationship,’ or your Legal Personal Representative (your Executor). Some funds allow Binding Nominations, which mandate the Trustee to follow your instructions, but these sometimes lapse after three years, unless your Super Fund allows you to make Non-Lapsing Binding Nominations.

A good estate planning lawyer can help navigate this complexity to ensure your Super goes to the intended recipient. Additionally, many people unknowingly have a life insurance policy tied to their Super, which could be worth a substantial sum, making it critical to consider in estate planning.
READ MORE on what happens to your Super when you die.

What about life insurance when it comes to my Will or estate plan?

You can hold life insurance either through your Super, or through a separate policy you have  taken out Life insurance should be a part of your estate planning discussion, and how it is managed depends on whether it’s held through your Super or as a separate personal policy. If it’s through your Super, it is governed by the same rules as your Superannuation.

However, if you hold a separate policy, the proceeds will either go to your estate and be distributed according to your Will or intestacy laws, or directly to a named beneficiary on the policy. Naming a beneficiary can have complications, such as making the funds available to creditors if the beneficiary is bankrupt, or releasing a large sum to children at the age of 18. To mitigate such issues, you can use a Testamentary Trust within your Will to ensure funds are allocated appropriately, with protections in place.

What is the effect of marriage, divorce, or separation?

Major life events like marriage and divorce can nullify your existing Will, although there are exceptions if your Will specifically accounts for these events. During the process of separation, it’s essential to have a current Will, as dying without one could mean your separated-but-not-yet-divorced spouse inherits a large portion of your estate.

The Administration Act 1903 (WA) sets down a formula of what happens to your assets if you die without a Will and your spouse could receive the first $705,000 plus a share of the remaining estate and if you have children, then $472,000 plus a third of the remainder. If you’ve separated and divided your assets but haven’t divorced, your old Will, which may leave everything to your estranged spouse, still holds. Therefore, it’s critical to update your Will as soon as possible after separating, rather than waiting for the divorce to finalise, as your preferences for asset distribution are likely to change.

READ MORE on how separation can impact your estate planning. 

Does an ex I’m not married to have a claim on my estate?

Ex-spouses can claim against your estate. But the good news is, they can only do so if they were being maintained by you, or were entitled to be maintained. So if you have settled up your financial affairs in Family Court property orders, and you are not paying spousal maintenance, then your ex-spouse should have no claim.

Be careful not to confuse spousal maintenance with child maintenance – they are not the same thing, and just because you are paying child maintenance to the ex-spouse, that is not spousal maintenance and does not give rise to a claim by the ex-spouse. Of course, if you don’t make proper provision for the kids who are receiving maintenance from you, they may claim against your estate (and will likely be successful) and there is every chance that the person who will run that claim on their behalf would be your ex-spouse.

READ MORE on whether an ex partner of the deceased can contest a Will. 

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Discussing your situation over the phone is often the best way to start, and we’re pleased to offer all new and existing clients a free 15-minute phone consultation for every commercial dispute matter. This is a great opportunity to let us know more about the assistance you’re looking for, clarify your situation, and walk you through how best we can help and what’s involved. Whether you’re dealing with a contract disagreement, a partnership conflict, or any other commercial dispute, our experienced team is here to provide the guidance and support you need.

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Consult with our experienced lawyers

Discussing your situation over the phone is often the best way to start, and we’re pleased to offer all new and existing clients a phone consultation for every new commercial law matter. This is a great opportunity to let us know more about the assistance you’re looking for, clarify your situation, and walk you through how best we can help and what’s involved. Whether you need support with contracts, leasing, business transactions, or dispute resolution, our experienced commercial lawyers in Perth are here to guide you

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