From family conflict to fair resolution
Experienced will dispute lawyers for contested estates
Your strategic legal allies when inheritance disputes threaten family harmony
✓ Funding options available — cost shouldn’t stop you ✓ Honest advice from experienced lawyers ✓ Australia wide with team in Melbourne, Gold Coast and Brisbane
Your path to justice and family resolution starts with us.
Same Day Response
No Upfront Fee Funding Options
Team Speaks 10+ Languages
50+ Years Experience
Experience
years of combined legal expertise
Languages
languages spoken by our team
WE COVER ALL AREAS OF WILLS & ESTATE LAW INCLUDING THE SERVICES BELOW
Clear Solutions for Every Wills and Estate Challenge
Will Contest Applications
Believe you’ve been unfairly left out of a will or received less than you deserve? Will contests can be emotionally draining and legally complex when family relationships are already strained.
Our team provides strategic will contest services for:
- Family provision claims
- Undue influence challenges
- Lack of testamentary capacity disputes
- Fraudulent will allegations
Take action with our 50+ years of combined experience.
We work diligently to protect your inheritance rights while seeking fair resolutions that honour your loved one’s true intentions.
Estate Administration Disputes
Dealing with disputes over how an estate is being managed? Poor estate administration can delay distributions, waste assets, and create lasting family divisions.
Our experienced team handles:
- Executor misconduct claims
- Trustee breach allegations
- Estate mismanagement disputes
- Beneficiary rights protection
Get clarity and accountability today.
We ensure estate administrators fulfil their duties properly while protecting beneficiaries’ legitimate interests throughout the process.
Inheritance & Family Provision Claims
Concerned about inadequate provision in a family member’s will? Inheritance disputes often arise when family members feel unfairly treated or forgotten.
We provide comprehensive support for:
- Spouse and de facto partner claims
- Adult children provision applications
- Dependent family member disputes
- Moral duty arguments
Secure your rightful inheritance with proven advocacy.
Our team understands family dynamics and builds compelling cases based on your relationship, needs, and legitimate expectations.
Will Validity Challenges
Questioning whether a will is legally valid? Invalid wills can result from coercion, mental incapacity, or procedural errors that undermine the deceased’s true wishes.
Our services include challenging wills based on:
- Lack of mental capacity
- Undue influence or coercion
- Improper execution procedures
- Fraudulent documentation
Protect your family’s interests with thorough legal analysis.
We investigate the circumstances surrounding will creation and build strong cases to ensure only valid wills are upheld.
Executor & Trustee Disputes
Frustrated with an executor or trustee’s handling of the estate? Poor administration can breach fiduciary duties and harm beneficiary interests.
We assist with:
- Removal of unsuitable executors
- Trustee accountability proceedings
- Estate accounting disputes
- Distribution delay challenges
Hold estate administrators accountable for their actions.
Our team ensures executors and trustees meet their legal obligations while protecting your rights as a beneficiary.
Estate Mediation & Settlement
Looking for faster resolution of inheritance disputes? Court proceedings can be lengthy, expensive, and further damage family relationships.
Our mediation services cover:
- Family settlement conferences
- Negotiated inheritance agreements
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Confidential settlement discussions
Resolve disputes efficiently while preserving family relationships.
We facilitate constructive dialogue and creative solutions that meet everyone’s core needs without lengthy court battles.
Worried about funding your will dispute? You may not need to pay up front!
Will and estate disputes can drag on for months, and most families don’t have spare cash sitting around to fund a legal fight, even when they know they have a strong case.
For eligible matters, Kingsford Lawyers can arrange dispute funding for both executors and beneficiaries, so you can pursue your claim without paying legal fees out of pocket.
What’s covered:
- Our legal fees for the dispute
- Ancillary costs such as court filing fees and disbursements
- Available to both executors administering an estate and beneficiaries contesting one
How it works:
- Interest applies and is repaid from the estate once the matter resolves
- You don’t pay funding costs from your own pocket during the dispute
- Available for estates valued at $500,000 or more
Your Path to Complete Estate Security
At Kingsford Lawyers, we understand the urgency and complexity of will and estate disputes. Whether you need immediate support or strategic guidance, we're here to protect your inheritance rights and secure your family's future.
1
Urgent Assistance – 24/7 Availability
For time-sensitive estate matters requiring immediate action, our dispute team is available 24/7. Prompt response can prevent asset dissipation, preserve evidence, and protect your legal position. We act swiftly when urgent court applications or injunctions are needed.
2
Comprehensive Planning & Strategic Guidance
We thoroughly analyse your dispute's legal merits, evidence strength, and potential outcomes. Our experienced lawyers identify the most effective approach – whether negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings – tailored to your specific family circumstances and inheritance objectives.
3
Proactive Dispute Management
Throughout the estate dispute process, we maintain strategic focus on your goals. We handle all documentation, court filings, and negotiations, providing regular updates while minimising your stress and family disruption during this difficult time.
4
Securing Fair Inheritance Outcomes
Our ultimate goal is achieving the best possible result for your estate dispute. You'll have access to senior counsel expertise at standard lawyer rates, exceptional representation without premium pricing. And for eligible matters involving estates of $500,000 or more, dispute funding means you may not need to pay legal fees upfront at all.
Not Sure if You Can Afford to Fight?
For estates of $500,000 or more, funding may be available to cover your legal fees, with interest repaid from the estate at the end. No upfront costs. Find out if you qualify.
Your Path Forward Starts here
Facing will and estate disputes can be one of the most emotionally challenging and complex situations in your family life. Whether you’re dealing with an urgent inheritance matter or planning a strategic legal response to unfair treatment, Kingsford Lawyers are here to provide the guidance, support, and advocacy you need to move forward.
Immediate Peace of Mind: 24/7
- Available day and night for urgent matters
- Same-day response to your enquiries
- Clear initial guidance on your legal position
- Immediate action when time-critical steps are needed
Experienced Legal Support You Can Rely On
- 50+ years combined litigation experience across all practice areas
- Strategic approach focused on your specific objectives
Practical, commercial solutions that protect your interests
Your Rights Protected
- Thorough preparation and thoughtful case strategy
- Strong advocacy in negotiations and court proceedings
- Alternative dispute resolution to avoid unnecessary litigation
- Comprehensive understanding of the law affecting your case
We speak Your Language - Literally
Whether you’re contesting a will, defending an estate as executor, or pursuing a family provision claim, clear communication is everything. Our team speaks your language – literally.
Compassionate estate planning support in over 10 languages including English, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Greek Afrikaans, and Punjabi, ensuring clear communication for our diverse clients.
We ensure every client receives precise, effective legal advice in a language they understand, so nothing gets lost in translation during these high-stakes litigation matters.
solving your wills and estate problems
Real People Here For You
Meet the Team Committed to Protecting Your Rights and Getting Winning Outcomes
What Clients of Kingsford Say About Us
Hear from those we’ve supported through business and life’s toughest legal challenges.
Victor and his team is second to none.
I have recommended hundreds of clients and all I have is the greatest response.
They are so much here to help the locals, the friendliness is amazing call or visit them as they do all sorts of law.
Sean A.
I can’t thank the team at Kingsford Lawyers enough for their attention to our urgent matter. Jayde and Ernest went above and beyond to help us resolve the matter so quickly which of course gave us peace of mind.
They are compassionate and professional and you can’t ask for more than that. Thanks Vic for recommending your team to us once again.
Kelly K.
Kingsford team has been my commercial lawyer for a complex Supreme Court litigation case. Consistently exceptional professionalism, legal expertise, and client management.
Open communication kept me well-informed throughout. Deep understanding of the law and dedication to achieving favourable outcomes make them invaluable. I highly recommend as an exceptional lawyer.
James S.
Take Your First Step To Protect Your Inheritance Rights
Facing a will or estate dispute? Every decision matters when family relationships and inheritance rights are at stake. Complete the form below to book your free confidential initial chat today to find out your pathway forward.
Need urgent out-of-hours help for time-sensitive will or estate matters? Call 1300 244 342 — we can help 24/7.
- 100% Confidential
- Free Initial Chat to Check Your Options
- Responsive Estate Planning Support Australia Wide including Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast regions
Request Your Free Initial Chat
Just complete the form below, and our team will get back to you very shortly.
Answers to move you forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about wills and estate matters. Our experienced team is here to provide clarity and guide you forward.
Support When You Need It
Clear answers when you need them most. Access to legal support when you need it most, with after-hours assistance for urgent matters and flexible consultation options.
We Speak Your Language
Our multilingual team speaks 10+ languages and provides compassionate, professional guidance through every step of your journey.
Can I fund a will dispute without paying legal fees up front?
Yes, for eligible matters, we can arrange dispute funding so you don’t pay legal fees out of pocket while the matter is running.
What’s covered:
- Our legal fees for the dispute
- Court filing fees and other disbursements
What it doesn’t cover:
- The other side’s costs if your claim is unsuccessful
How interest works:
Interest applies and is repaid from the estate when the matter resolves, not from your funds during the dispute.
Who’s eligible:
- Executors and beneficiaries (spouses, de facto partners, adult children, and dependants)
- Estates valued at $500,000 or more
- Subject to the merits of your claim and the structure of the dispute
We’ll walk you through the full picture in your free chat, costs, interest, and whether funding is right for your matter before any commitment. Dispute funding is subject to assessment and the usual disclosure obligations.
On what grounds can I contest a will in Australia?
You can contest a will in Australia on several legal grounds:
Lack of testamentary capacity: The deceased didn’t understand the nature of making a will, the extent of their assets, or potential beneficiaries due to mental illness, dementia, or intoxication.
Undue influence: Someone coerced or pressured the deceased into changing their will against their true wishes.
Fraud or forgery: The will was created through deceptive means or contains forged signatures.
Improper execution: The will wasn’t properly witnessed or signed according to legal requirements.
Family provision claims: You were inadequately provided for despite being entitled to support as a spouse, child, or dependent.
At Kingsford Lawyers, we assess your specific circumstances to determine the strongest grounds for your case and guide you through the evidence required for a successful challenge.
How long do I have to contest a will or make a family provision claim?
Time limits for will disputes vary by state, but generally you have:
Family provision claims: 12 months from the date of death in most states (6 months in South Australia, 9 months in Victoria).
Will validity challenges: No specific time limit, but courts favour prompt action. Delays can weaken your case and affect available remedies.
Estate administration disputes: Time limits vary depending on the specific issue and state legislation.
Important exceptions may extend these timeframes in certain circumstances, such as when you weren’t aware of the death or the will’s contents.
Acting quickly is crucial – evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and estate assets may be distributed. Contact us immediately if you’re considering a will dispute to ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines and preserve your legal options.
Can I contest a will if I'm not mentioned in it at all?
Yes, you may be able to contest a will even if you’re not mentioned, depending on your relationship to the deceased:
Family provision claims: Eligible persons include spouses, de facto partners, children (including adult children), and persons who were wholly or partly dependent on the deceased for their proper maintenance and support.
Grandchildren: May have claims in limited circumstances, particularly if their parent (the deceased’s child) died before the will was made or if they were dependent on the deceased.
Previous wills: If you were included in an earlier will, this strengthens arguments about the deceased’s intentions and your relationship.
Moral duty: Courts consider whether the deceased had a moral obligation to provide for you based on your relationship, contributions to their welfare, and your financial circumstances.
Even if you’re not a beneficiary, you might have grounds to challenge the will’s validity if you have evidence of fraud, undue influence, or lack of capacity. We assess your specific situation to determine your strongest legal options for securing appropriate provision.
Can family members contest my will after I die?
Yes, eligible family members can make claims against your estate if they believe they haven’t been adequately provided for. In Australia, spouses, children (including adult children), and sometimes dependents or former partners can apply for family provision orders.
However, a properly drafted will with clear reasoning for your decisions significantly reduces successful challenges. We help protect your will by ensuring adequate provision for eligible claimants, documenting your reasoning for distributions, and using legal strategies that discourage frivolous claims.
Time limits apply to will challenges – typically 6-12 months from probate grant, depending on your state. This means prompt probate applications can help protect your estate.
At Kingsford Lawyers, we discuss potential challenges during will preparation and implement strategies to minimise dispute risks while respecting your wishes. We also represent clients in will dispute matters, whether challenging or defending estates.
How strong does my case need to be before starting will dispute proceedings?
The strength required depends on your specific circumstances and objectives:
Reasonable prospects: You need genuine grounds for disputing the will, not merely disappointment with your inheritance. Courts require evidence supporting your claims.
Cost-benefit analysis: Consider potential outcomes against legal costs and emotional toll. Smaller estates may not justify expensive litigation.
Evidence quality: Strong cases typically include medical records, witness statements, previous wills, financial records, and documentation of your relationship with the deceased.
Alternative approaches: Sometimes negotiation or mediation achieves better outcomes than court proceedings, even with moderately strong cases.
Family provision claims: Courts consider factors like your financial needs, relationship with deceased, estate size, and other beneficiaries’ circumstances.
Time sensitivity: Stronger cases develop when action is taken promptly, preserving evidence and witness memories.
At Kingsford Lawyers, we provide honest assessments of your case strength and recommend the most appropriate strategy. We’ll only proceed if we believe you have genuine prospects of success that justify the investment in legal action.
Protect Your Inheritance Rights Today
Don’t let a contested will or unfair estate decision go unchallenged. Get experienced legal guidance with a free initial chat – no obligation, just clarity on where you stand.
