What do you need help with?
The work and cost differ substantially across these categories.
Make or update a will Standard estate plan. Including powers of attorney and guardianship. Complex estate plan Testamentary trust, blended family, asset protection, tax-effective. Probate / estate administration Someone has died. Need to administer the estate. No will (intestacy) Someone has died without a valid will. Contesting a will Family provision claim or will validity challenge. Executor in dispute You’re the executor facing a challenge or beneficiary dispute.
Approximate estate value?
Determines court filing fee scale and complexity of administration.
Under $500,000 Smaller estate. Simpler administration. $500,000 - $2m Middle estate. Common range. $2m - $10m Substantial estate. Higher filing fees, often complex assets. Over $10m High-value estate. Tax and succession planning essential. Not sure yet Need to assess assets first.
Estate composition / complexity?
What’s in the estate (or planned for the estate)? Pick the most complex element.
Simple — cash, super, home Standard household assets. Straightforward administration. Business interest Private company, partnership, or trust holding business. Farm or primary production Rural property with operational issues, succession planning. International assets Property or accounts overseas. Multiple jurisdictions. Investment portfolio Shares, managed funds, multiple properties. Family trust or SMSF Trust structures that interact with estate.
Family circumstances?
Affects both estate planning and dispute risk.
Simple — spouse and children Standard family unit. Low dispute risk. Blended family Step-children, second spouse, children from prior relationships. Estranged family member(s) Excluded children or distant family. Higher contest risk. Dependent family member Dependent with disability or special needs. Trust planning relevant. De facto partner Relationship status may need to be documented to support inheritance. No close family Charitable bequests, friends, distant relatives.
Your state?
Probate and family provision laws differ by state.
New South Wales Succession Act 2006. 12-month family provision window. Victoria Administration and Probate Act 1958. 6-month family provision window. Queensland Succession Act 1981. 9-month family provision window. Western Australia Family Provision Act 1972. South Australia Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1972. TAS / NT / ACT Each has its own succession legislation.
