Wills & Estates

At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we understand that a well-drafted Will is essential to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are provided for after your passing. Our experienced Wills & Estates team offers comprehensive Will drafting services, tailored to meet your unique needs and circumstances. We work closely with you to ensure that your Will is clear, legally sound, and reflects your intentions, providing you with peace of mind knowing that your estate will be managed and distributed according to your wishes. Many assets do not form part of the estate on death and therefore do pass under a Will. We take care to ensure that all estate and non-estate assets pass as intended.

Testamentary Trusts are a powerful estate planning tool for clients looking to provide long-term financial security for their beneficiaries. Testamentary Trusts can offer significant tax benefits and asset protection, making them an ideal solution to safeguard your legacy and provide for your loved ones well into the future. Our Wills & Estates team will work closely with you to create Testamentary Trusts tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your passing.

Our Wills & Estates team provides tailored advice to ensure your superannuation is structured in a way that aligns with your estate planning goals. From navigating complex regulations to ensuring your superannuation is distributed according to your wishes, Mellor Olsson can guide you through every step, offering peace of mind and security for your retirement and beyond.

A business succession plan is the creation of a legal framework to allow for the transition of assets and control between generations or owners. It does not necessarily mean that the transfer of assets happens immediately, instead, it is a process whereby the general terms of transfer are agreed, and the legal structure is created to allow for the implementation of the plan over time.

Mellor Olsson can help you by ensuring you have a succession plan in place and a structure that will allow the plan to be carried out when the time comes. A good succession plan can help to ensure the continued success and growth of your business, limit current and future tax liabilities and in the case of family businesses, help to preserve the harmony and goodwill between family members.

We recognise the need to work closely with all of your advisors, such as accountants, financial planners and bankers, when formulating a succession plan so that each objective and the potential implications of any changes are well considered.

Administering a deceased estate can be a complex and emotional process. Our dedicated team of Wills & Estates professionals provides compassionate and efficient Deceased Estate Administration services, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honoured and their estate is managed in accordance with the law. From obtaining probate to distributing assets, we handle all aspects of the administration process with care and expertise, offering you support and peace of mind during a difficult time.

At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we recognise the importance of ensuring your finances can seamlessly be managed by someone you trust in the event that you need assistance or lose capacity. Our team can assist in drafting clear and legally sound documents to appoint a trusted individual or individuals to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. Our team will work with you to create a Power of Attorney that reflects your wishes and provides you with peace of mind knowing that your affairs will be in capable hands.

At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we understand the importance of planning for your future health care and ensuring your wishes are respected. Our team offers advice to assist clients in documenting their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care. By creating an Advance Care Directive, you can ensure that your values and choices are clearly communicated and legally upheld, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

We offer comprehensive Family Trust services, tailored to meet your unique needs and objectives. Whether you're looking to establish a testamentary trust in a Will, discretionary trust, or charitable trust, our experienced Wills & Estates team is here to guide you through the process. We also provide ongoing trust administration services, ensuring that your trust is managed effectively and remains compliant with all legal requirements.

At Mellor Olsson Lawyers, we understand the importance of protecting your estate for future generations. Our taxation advice services are designed to help minimise the impact of taxes on estates through carefully crafted estate planning strategies. Our experienced Wills & Estates team will work with you to structure your estate plan to mitigate tax and ensure that your assets are preserved for your loved ones.

Navigating the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) can be a challenging and complex process, but Mellor Olsson Lawyers can provide expert representation and advice. Our team offers tailored SACAT services, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively. Whether you're dealing with disputes related to guardianship, administration orders, or other matters under SACAT's jurisdiction, we are committed to guiding you through the process with professionalism and care, providing you with the support you need to achieve the best possible outcome.