Contested Wills & Estates Lawyers in New Zealand & Australia

Contested estate lawyers act for people who believe a will doesn't treat them fairly, and for executors and beneficiaries defending a will or an estate.

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Common situations

Being left out of a will, or left less than expected
Claims by children, partners or other family members against an estate
Questions about whether a will is valid
Disputes with an executor or trustee
Defending an estate against a claim

Find a contested wills & estates lawyer near you

New Zealand

Northland (Whangārei)Auckland Waikato (Hamilton)Bay of Plenty (Tauranga)Gisborne Hawke's Bay (Napier)Taranaki (New Plymouth)Manawatū-Whanganui (Palmerston North)Wellington Tasman (Richmond)Nelson Marlborough (Blenheim)West Coast (Greymouth)Canterbury (Christchurch)Otago (Dunedin)Southland (Invercargill)

Australia

New South Wales (Sydney)Victoria (Melbourne)Queensland (Brisbane)Western Australia (Perth)South Australia (Adelaide)Tasmania (Hobart)Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)Northern Territory (Darwin)

Free and low-cost help

New Zealand: In New Zealand, claims against an estate are often made under the Family Protection Act or related laws, and many are resolved through negotiation or mediation. If cost is a concern, Community Law Centres offer free legal help throughout New Zealand, and you may be eligible for Legal Aid through the Ministry of Justice.

Australia: In Australia, family provision laws in each state and territory let eligible people ask a court for a share of an estate, and many claims settle at mediation. If cost is a concern, community legal centres and your state or territory Legal Aid commission may be able to help.

General information only — not legal advice. Browse all practice areas or the full directory.