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
-
Super quick, easy and available. No fuss
Nathan Stuart
March 31, 2026 -
We have just finished using the incomparable Susan Gale-Phillips in a conveyancing matter and could not recommend her more highly. The matter was complicated, involving a buyer's advocate and a company/trust structure, issues with which we have no experience. Susan was across absolutely all of the legal and administrative matters. Moreover, her communication, both in writing and on the phone, was clear, detailed and very timely. The matter settled today without a hitch and we are so grateful that we decided to use Kelly & Chapman, and Susan in particular. Thank you so much!!
Ben Harris
April 28, 2025 -
Nice and friendly service. Always welcoming and they are pretty quick with the process
Avr
April 22, 2025 -
The work completed on transferring an old title was first rate. Thank you Laiany Pinto.
John Trotter
October 7, 2025 -
Always prompt and helpful. Great service.
Jude Perumal
July 2, 2023
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.