How do you prevent family disputes over an estate in Australia?
You can do several things to reduce the risk of a family dispute over your estate. Start with a clearly drafted, valid Will that leaves no ambiguity in its wording. Talk openly with your family about your wishes, so nothing comes as a shock. Keep your Will updated as your circumstances and your beneficiaries’ circumstances change. And if you expect a high level of conflict, consider appointing a professional executor, which Willed’s fixed-fee probate service can support, so no single family member carries the burden.
For related guidance, see how much do legal fees cost for managing a deceased estate in Australia?.
Read the video transcript
To assist in minimizing disputes, there are a number of things that you can do. Use a clearly drafted, legally valid Will. Ensure that there's no ambiguity in any of the wording in the Will. Communicate your wishes openly with your family. Keep your Will regularly updated as life changes and your circumstances and the circumstances of your beneficiaries change. And consider a professional executor if you expect a high level of conflict between beneficiaries.
Need a hand?
Willed’s team helps Australians with this every day.
You might also wonder
More on estate planning
0:36Can I appoint someone to make medical and guardianship decisions for me in Australia?Kevin Finn
0:27What are the first practical steps to take after a family member dies in Australia?Kevin Finn
1:03What are the most important things to sort out before you die in Australia?Kevin Finn
0:35How do I register a death and get a death certificate in Australia?Kevin Finn