Protect Your Legacy with Expert Estate Planning in Sydney

Estate planning isn't just about writing a will—it's about protecting your family's future, minimizing disputes, and ensuring your wishes are honored. Mary Stephan provides comprehensive wills and estates services throughout Sydney and NSW, combining technical expertise with clear, practical advice.

Whether you're planning your estate, applying for probate, administering a deceased estate, or contesting a will, Mary guides you through the process with sensitivity and strategic thinking.

Wills & Estates Services

Will Drafting & Estate Planning Sydney Creating legally valid wills tailored to your circumstances, including provisions for minor children, blended families, business assets, and trusts. Mary ensures your will clearly expresses your wishes and minimizes potential disputes.

Probate Applications NSW Preparing and filing probate applications in the NSW Supreme Court, obtaining grants of probate, and navigating the legal requirements to administer deceased estates.

Estate Administration Guiding executors through their duties—identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, distributing estates, and finalizing administration. Mary handles complex estates involving property, businesses, and superannuation.

Contested Wills & Family Provision Claims Representing beneficiaries or defending estates in family provision claims under the Succession Act. If you've been left out of a will or inadequately provided for, or if someone is challenging a will you're administering, Mary provides strategic advice and court representation.

Powers of Attorney Drafting enduring powers of attorney for financial and property decisions, ensuring trusted individuals can manage your affairs if you lose capacity.

Appointed Guardianship Advising on guardianship appointments for health and lifestyle decisions when you can't make them yourself.

Testamentary Trusts Structuring wills with testamentary trusts to protect assets, minimize tax, and provide for beneficiaries with special needs or complex circumstances.

Estate Disputes & Litigation Resolving disputes between executors and beneficiaries, breach of executor duties, will interpretation disputes, and contested estate matters in NSW Supreme Court.

When to Seek Estate Planning Advice

Contact Mary if you:

• Don't have a current will or your circumstances have changed

• Are getting married, divorced, or entering a new relationship

• Have minor children or dependents with special needs

• Own property, businesses, or significant assets

• Have a blended family with complex beneficiary considerations

• Need to appoint an executor or update your existing will

• Are concerned about potential disputes after your death

• Have been appointed executor and need guidance

• Have been left out of a will or inadequately provided for

• Are facing a family provision claim against an estate

Why Choose Mary for Wills & Estate Matters

Comprehensive Estate Planning - Mary considers your family circumstances, assets, tax implications, and potential disputes to create robust estate plans.

Clear Documentation - Wills and powers of attorney drafted in clear language that accurately reflects your wishes and withstands legal scrutiny.

Experienced in Estate Litigation - Regular NSW Supreme Court appearances in contested estate matters mean Mary understands how to draft wills that minimize dispute risk.

Sensitive Guidance - Estate matters often arise during difficult times. Mary provides compassionate support alongside strategic legal advice.

Fixed Fees Available - Transparent pricing for straightforward wills and estate planning, with upfront cost estimates for complex matters.

Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to write a will? While DIY wills exist, poorly drafted wills often lead to disputes, invalid provisions, or unintended tax consequences. A solicitor ensures your will is legally valid and clearly expresses your wishes.

How much does it cost to make a will in Sydney? Simple wills typically cost $500-$1,500 per person. Complex wills involving trusts, business succession, or blended families cost more. Mary provides fixed-fee quotes upfront.

How long does probate take in NSW? Straightforward probate applications typically take 6-12 weeks from lodgment to grant. Complex estates or contested matters take longer.

Can I contest a will if I've been left out? Under NSW Succession Act, eligible persons (spouse, children, dependents, former spouses in some cases) can apply for family provision if they've been left out or inadequately provided for.

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