Rated 4.6 Excellent on Google Reviews
Ensuring Your Wishes Are Respected — Now and Into the Future
Since 1966
From basic Will drafting to complex probate applications, disputes over estates or intestacy, we’re here to make sure your rights are protected and your responsibilities are clear.
Wills and Probate Law
Involves appointing executors, applying for probate or letters of administration, and handling the financial obligations of the deceased.al force.
s the area of law that deals with estate planning, succession, and the legal process after a person dies.
Requires careful drafting to ensure Wills are legally binding and challenge-resistant.
Ensures that assets are distributed according to a valid Will or under intestacy law if there is no Will.
Includes resolving disputes over Wills, family provision claims, and contests involving undue influence or lack of capacity.
Why Choose Our Wills and Probate Lawyers
At Kelly & Chapman, we understand that Wills and estate issues often arise at difficult times – during illness, grief, or family tension. That’s why our approach is always compassionate, confidential, and focused on simplifying the process. We offer practical solutions and ensure your legal documents are correctly prepared and administered.
- Accurate legal advice: Avoid costly errors and delays with properly structured Wills and applications
- Clear communication: We explain legal terms in plain English and keep you updated
- Fixed-fee Wills available
- Multilingual service: We speak Greek, Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian
- Convenient: Free parking at our Bentleigh office and home visits available by arrangement
Signs You Need a Wills and Probate Lawyerr
1. You Don’t Yet Have a Will
• Who inherits your estate
• Who manages it (your executor)
• Guardianship of children
• Gifts to friends, charities, or causes
We prepare custom Wills that reflect your values, relationships, and financial structure.
2. You’ve Been Appointed Executor
• Obtain a grant of probate
• Collect and value assets
• Pay debts and taxes
• Distribute assets lawfully
• Avoid disputes and liability
We take care of the paperwork, court filing and deadlines while you focus on honouring the deceased’s wishes.
3. A Loved One Died Without a Will
Property-related litigation includes:
• Commercial lease disputes
• Unpaid rent or bond issues
• Building defect claims
• Co-owner or boundary disagreements
• Title or caveat disputes
We act for landlords, tenants, co-owners and developers to resolve disputes decisively.
4. A Will Is Being Disputed or Challenged
• Executors defending the Will
• Beneficiaries contesting or challenging distributions
• Claimants under family provision laws (including estranged children or dependents)
Our role is to resolve these issues fairly and protect the rightful entitlements under law.
5. You Need an Enduring Power of Attorney or Medical Directive
• Enduring Powers of Attorney for financial and legal matters
• Medical Treatment Decision Makers
• Advance Care Directives
These documents protect you if you lose decision-making capacity through illness, accident, or ageing.
Our Litigation Process
Consultation
Document Preparation or Review
Lodgement or Filing (if applicable)
Asset Distribution and Legal Support
Ongoing Advice
Why Kelly & Chapman for Wills and
Probate Law in Melbourne
Our strength lies in combining technical precision with personal care. We take the time to understand your intentions and translate them into secure, enforceable legal documents.
Since 1966, we’ve served Oakleigh, Chadstone, Carnegie, Clayton, Bentleigh, and surrounding areas with professionalism and trust.
Services We Provide
Will drafting (including testamentary trusts)
- Fixed-fee standard Wills
- Probate applications
- Letters of administration
- Estate administration and asset transfers
- Estate litigation and family provision claims
- Power of attorney (financial & medical)
- Advance care planning
- Executor advice and support
- Contesting and defending Wills
We also work closely with your accountant or financial adviser to ensure aligned planning across all your legal and financial documents.
What Our Clients Say
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Please don't use their service.
Jess Hartanu
January 8, 2024 -
Nice and friendly service. Always welcoming and they are pretty quick with the process
Avr
April 22, 2025 -
Great staff and very helpful
Tony Farfor
April 8, 2025 -
Thanku
A V
December 16, 2025 -
Title: A Seamless and Stress-Free home buying experience with Kelly & Chapman I recently had the pleasure of working with Susan Gale-Phillips from Kelly & Chapman for the purchase of our property, and I am compelled to share the exceptional experience I had with their services. From the outset, Susan displayed a profound understanding of the intricacies of property transactions. Her expertise and attention to detail were evident as she navigated the complexities of the legal aspects involved in our property transaction. Communication was a standout feature throughout the process. She ensured that I was kept well-informed at every stage, providing timely updates and clarifications whenever necessary. This transparent and proactive approach alleviated much of the stress typically associated with property transactions, and I always felt confident that my interests were being prioritized. One of the most impressive aspects of Susan's service was her responsiveness. Emails and phone calls were promptly returned, and she was readily available to address any concerns or queries I had. This level of accessibility and dedication to client satisfaction set a high standard for professionalism. In conclusion, my experience with Susan (and Kelly & Chapman) was nothing short of outstanding. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction made the entire process seamless and stress-free. I wholeheartedly recommend Susan to anyone in need of a reliable and proficient solicitor/conveyancer for their property transactions. In fact, I have already done so to a friend, and he has benefited from her expertise. Thanks to their efforts, I am now happily settled in my new home, and I am grateful for the excellent service they provided.
Rami
January 9, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills & Probate
Do I really need a lawyer to make a Will?
How long does probate take in Victoria?
Can I contest a Will if I’ve been left out?
What happens if someone dies without a Will?
Is an online Will valid?
Ready to Talk?
It starts with a conversation. No pressure. Just a chance to meet, listen and plan the next step together.