Wills and Estate Planning Lawyers in Geelong and Melbourne

Get in touch with our expert legal team today for tailored solutions to protect your interests and secure your legacy.

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Wills and Estates

You’ve spent your whole life building your legacy, so make sure that everything you leave behind is in the right hands. We specialise in providing expert legal guidance and personalised solutions for all your wills and estate planning needs. From drafting a will, to establishing a trust, the Coulter Legal team is here to support you every step of the way. Protect your family and the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build with our dedicated Wills & Estate Planning services.

Wills

No one knows what the future holds, but you can be certain about what you leave behind. No matter your age, if you have assets, it’s important you have a legally binding Will. This will ensure your assets are inherited by the people you choose and that the handling of your estate follows your wishes.

  • Our process is simple.
  • Our costs are transparent.
  • Our level of service is impeccable.
  • The outcome for you is peace of mind.

Estate Planning

In the modern family and household, simply having a standalone Will prepared is often insufficient. The best and most effective Estate Plan is created when all facets of the plan are considered and addressed holistically.

Contact one of our Wills & Estate Planning experts

Where there’s a Will there’s a Way

Join our team of lawyers and special guests as they share their insights and debunk some myths on Wills, Estate Planning and Deceased Estates – learn everything you need to know about securing your legacy and manoeuvring the world of estate planning.

Listen to the podcast

My Estate Plan

My Estate Plan is the holistic Estate Planning offering from our team at Coulter Legal. Our goal is to ensure that our clients receive comprehensive Estate Planning support tailored to their individual circumstances, needs and wishes, ensuring that all relevant factors are properly considered and addressed at any stage of life.

Tailored to you

Solutions range from more straightforward suites of documents, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney, to comprehensive solutions that cover current and future matters, including superannuation, trusts and other entities, future family planning and future asset planning.

It grows with you

My Estate Plan is designed to grow with you as your Estate Planning needs change and evolve. This is the Estate Plan for young people, families, professionals, business owners, investors, retirees and everyone in between.

Your plan can include:

  • Your Will and Powers of Attorney
  • A review of superannuation and life insurance to ensure that you have appropriate nominations in place to match your overall plan
  • Consideration and planning around other entities such as trusts or business interests
  • Strategy and structuring for blended families
  • Additional documents or planning to ensure that all family members are adequately provided for, such as mutual will agreements
  • Actions carried out during your lifetime, such as changing how assets are held, or transitioning wealth during your lifetime to meet your planning goals.

Our Process

  • We will invite you to complete our secure online induction in your own time to provide us with the information we need to assess your needs.
  • You’ll then meet with a lawyer to work through your desired outcome, your unique circumstances and how we can assist you.
  • We will send you our pricing proposal and Engagement Agreement, with three options for you to choose from. You can electronically select your preferred option and attend to payment.
  • We will prepare your documents and provide them to you for review.
  • Depending on the option chosen, we will arrange any required amendments to your documents or meet with you to discuss and develop your documents further.
  • You will then sign your documentation by attending our office, an online meeting or, alternatively, we will post your documents to you with instructions to sign.
  • We offer to safely store your original documents at no additional cost and provide you with copies in your preferred format.
  • Your estate planning is complete!

Transparent pricing

We provide our clients with price certainty, which means the price you choose is exactly what you will pay – nothing more.

Our process ensures we properly understand the outcomes you are seeking to achieve, what is really important to you, how much engagement you would like and what you wish to include or exclude as part of the process.  This occurs before we provide our pricing proposal to you, so you choose your price and won’t ever receive a bill from us that you haven’t pre-authorised.

Our pricing options will be presented as:

  • Base;
  • Standard; and
  • Comprehensive

If you receive our pricing proposal and wish to proceed, you simply choose the option that suits you and we will take it from there.  If you do not wish to proceed during this initial phase, that is absolutely fine and you will only pay a fee of $275.00 (including GST) for the initial meeting with your lawyer.  Either way, we won’t start work before you choose your price and are comfortable proceeding.

What our clients have to say

Coulter Legal
5.0
Based on 224 reviews
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Nicole and Ember were amazing with their advice and guidance through my experience of separation, not once did I feel that I could not contact them or second guess the advice that they gave me. I would highly recommend Nicole to anybody that is in the same situation in future. Everybody that we dealt with at Coulter Legal were so professional and would always welcome you with a warm greeting. Thanks again Mel
I'm grateful for Satbir's assistance in obtaining custody of my child. Satbir is an exceptional family court lawyerIf you're experiencing a similar issue, I highly recommend seeking Satbir's Expertise
I used Coulter for my estate documentation. Senior Associate, Priya Silwaraju, assisted me with drafting my Will and Executor documents. She is knowledgeable and gave helpful advice, making a daunting process extremely easy.
I have spent two years working with James Maxwell in the area of Family Law. He has not only been a pleasure to work with, but provided exceptional advice and helped me achieve my desired outcome in the Family Court. Family Law is a daunting area to navigate, which is why I would recommend James to anyone in need of assistance in this field.
Satbir has been by my side for the last few years, helping me through my divorce and then ongoing challenging co-parenting matters.Satbir has always obtained the highest level of professionalism, patience, support, understanding, and empathy.He has always kept things on track and moving forward to achieving the best possible outcome and has always made sure the children's well-being was the priority.Satbir and Stacey have both gone above and beyond for me , while always maintaining professional, kind, caring guidance. I cannot thank them enough for the support they have offered me through a really challenging time in my life.
Applied online using the questionnaire provided on the website for family law matters. Found it very thorough and detailed. Had a 30min free consultation with the Satbir (family lawyer) he was very helpful and provided me with the answers I need.This year I started the process of financial settlement. I contacted Satbir to get the process started. Satbir delt with the matter with upmost respect and care.I found the process as it took longer than Satbir and I expected, ran surprisingly smoothly! Satbir’s experience shows with the way he corresponded with me and the other party.I give all the recommendations to anyone that is looking for a family lawyer to Coulter Legal, Satbir and the teams in the office!!
I highly suggest contacting Coulter Legal first for anyone requiring representation for Family Law matters.James, Jessica and the Coulter Legal team provided me with an outstanding quality of service and communication on a family law matter.My circumstances were fairly unique and had tried to work with another Solicitor firm based in Geelong prior, whom left me very cold in regards to hearing my needs.The service provided was nothing but professional yet felt personalised and every interaction was a pleasure to be a part of.Thank you to all at Coulter Legal.Scott A.
Satbir and Stacey were marvellous. They calmed me down and showed that they knew what they were doing. Then, they delivered what they promised.
James has been an absolute pleasure to work with. During extremely difficult times for myself and my children he has always maintained focus on what was in our best interests. Even when I was unsure, scared and frustrated, James always explained every step in minute detail to remove any of my concerns . He was always readily available either via phone, email or face to face. His dedication and support to myself and my children will always be appreciated. My family will forever be thankful to James for his support and guidance.I would highly recommend James and his team to anyone who is seeking support with Family Law concerns.Thank youJaye & Family
Coulter Legal come with the highest recommendation from my recent experiences. Professional, compassionate and available anytime for anything I needed. Lawyer Satbir Singh is someone you would always want in your corner a true professional!
Samaritan House Geelong would like to thank Melaine Hudson and Rachelle Eytan of Coulter Legal for providing help and guidance on a conveyancing matter. A wonderful outcome for supporting our vision that "No person needs to sleep rough in the Geelong Region".
Highly recommend. Sophie was responsive and exceptionally helpful with ensuring that the whole process ran smoothly.
Satbir and Cooper have been fantastic to deal with. They have made the whole process seamless. Also offered a very supportive space. I couldn’t recommend a better suited team.
Satbir showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. He answered all my questions with great clarity and patience. Satbir kept me informed every step of the way which gave me great peace of mind and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.Thankyou sincerely Satbir, you are a unique champion lawyer and adviser.
The team at Coulter Legal (especially Satbir) were outstanding in managing my separation. Satbir’s communication was clear and concise and his guidance through the process was truly appreciated.
Another great experience working with Coulter Legal who provided great and timely advice. What was a daunting experience was made easy and seamless, thank you to Rachelle for all her assistance.
I engaged Lauren to prepare my first Will and Powers of Attorney and expected it to be a daunting exercise. However, with Lauren's guidance, the process was streamline and efficient. She was attentive to my numerous queries and kept me informed at every step.
I am grateful for the assistance I have been provided by James Maxwell and the team supporting him. My queries and concerns were heard and responded to in a prompt, caring and professional manner. I am very satisfied with the outcome of what was a long, drawn out and at times stressful process, and felt I was supported and advised in a knowledgeable and ethical manner.I highly recommend James and the team at Coulter Legal.
Satbir is an exceptional lawyer and human being. He is able to skillfully navigate family law matters in a pragmatic way that always honors the unique needs of the children and families he represents. I can't speak highly enough of Satbir. I will be forever grateful for the positive child focused outcomes he has achieved and the compassionate way he conducts himself.
Extremely Happy with the professionalism and dedication I received from Satbir Singh in relation to the situation I found myself in.His expertise and advice has been greatly appreciated.I would strongly recommend him and his firm.Feeing very relievedHeather Ennor
Satbir has been a great ally in what has been a very protracted experience to settle parenting and financial matters during separation. He has gone above and beyond for me on several occasions, making sure everything has been as smooth as possible, and important to note in legal circles, I’ve always felt that the fees have been very reasonably applied - which did not appear to be the case for my partner’s legal representative.
From my very first meeting with Satbir, it was evident that he approached his work with genuine care and empathy. Satbir took the time to listen to my concerns and understand the complexities of my situation, providing guidance and reassurance every step of the way.Satbir navigated the legal aspects of my separation with diligence and proficiency, ensuring that my rights were protected and that I understood the implications of every decision we made.What truly set Satbir apart was his kindness and compassion. He provided not only legal counsel but also emotional support, offering a listening ear and words of encouragement when I needed them most.Thanks to his guidance, I was able to navigate the challenges of my separation with greater ease and confidence. He helped me find clarity in a time of confusion and provided me with the strength to move forward toward a brighter future.I would not hesitate to recommend Satbir to anyone in need of legal assistance, knowing that they will receive not only top-notch legal representation but also the compassionate support they deserve.
Satbir is highly recommended, personable and understands the importance of meaningful legal direction. He capably reads the room and does all and sundry for the best outcome for his client. He certainly shows compassion. He is a wealth of knowledge and represents Coulter Legal with integrity and respect.
I can't thank my lawyers enough for their exceptional support during my separation process (Special thanks to Skye Wylde, Julia Walker, Tori Jaques and their teams).Their guidance was invaluable, turning what could have been a daunting experience into a surprisingly seamless journey. Their timely advice not only made the decision-making process practical but also ensured that I felt supported every step of the way. I highly recommend their services for anyone navigating the complexities of separation. A heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their professionalism and compassion.
Exceptional Divorce Attorney - Diligent, Professional, and TrustworthyI recently had the privilege of working with Laura Villemagne‑Sánchez for my divorce proceedings, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for her outstanding legal expertise and unwavering support throughout the entire process.From my first consultation to the final resolution, lLaura Villemagne‑Sánchez exhibited a level of diligence and professionalism that truly set her apart. She navigated me through the complexities of the legal system with expertise, ensuring that every detail was meticulously addressed.One of the most commendable aspects of Laura Villemagne‑Sánchez's approach was her commitment to transparency and honesty. She consistently kept me informed about the progress of my case, explaining legal nuances in a way that was easy to understand. This level of communication not only provided me with peace of mind but also demonstrated her dedication to client well-being.What truly stood out was Laura Villemagne‑Sánchez's ability to make me feel at ease during a challenging time. Divorce can be emotionally taxing, but her empathetic and reassuring demeanor made the process more manageable. I always felt that I could trust her guidance, and her integrity was evident in every interaction.In addition to her legal acumen, Laura Villemagne‑Sánchez was prompt in responding to my inquiries and addressing any concerns.In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Laura Villemagne‑Sánchez to anyone in need of a divorce attorney. Her diligence, professionalism, honesty, and the ability to instill trust make her an invaluable legal partner. Thank you, Laura Villemagne‑Sánchez for guiding me through this challenging chapter with grace and expertise.
Cannot express how grateful my partner and I are for the help from Coulter Legal and professionalism when dealing with our matter!Special shout-out to Laura Villemagne-Sánchez who got us to an incredible result which we did not even imagine reaching!! :DHighly recommend Laura and her team who proved to have been very knowledgeable and great to deal with throughout the entire process (she's a bloody legend of a woman too)!
Priya Silwaraju was recommended to us as an outstanding Wills and Probate lawyer. We had what a SC referred to as one of the most complex cases he had come across, requiring a level of expertise and inquiry transcending most cases. Priya not only achieved for us an absolutely excellent outcome, but provided much needed reassurance throughout the process as we were dealing with unfamiliar territory. Her consistent and clear explanation of every step of the process and clear advice kept us continually abreast of everything going on. We also benefitted from her incorporation of advice from senior counsel and barristers specialising in specific areas of law. Her warm and personable manner never faltered and it was this human element that made the entire process so much easier for us. Priya’s exceptional knowledge of the law was also paired with her ability to juggle multiple perspectives and approaches in order to achieve the best outcome. We were able to rest easy in the knowledge that she would go above and beyond for us, which she did numerous times. We are so grateful for not only her expertise and our ability to rely on this but also for her integrity and warmth. Thank you Priya, for navigating us through one of the most stressful times of our lives and for the exceptional result you achieved for us. We are so grateful.
Friendly, efficient service and valuable advice - particularly impressed with great Zoom meetings
Laura Villemagne-Sánchez and Coulter Legal handled my matter with the utmost professionalism and gained me the best outcome I could hope for.Through out the process I was confident in my representation as Laura was very patient, friendly, thorough and understanding of my situation.As well as being kept up to date regularly, any questions I had were explained and simplified.I cannot recommend Laura and her team at Coulter Legal enough.Thank you for your support and due diligence
The team at Coulter Rouche, most particularly Asha was nothing but commendable. Professional, responsive and dedicated. We experienced an authentic care and focus that we are confident made our settlement a success. Hats off.... Thanks somuch.
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What should I turn my mind to when thinking about my Will?

The Executor of your Will is responsible for administering your estate and following your Will. You can appoint up to four Executors at any one time, and can also include substitutes, in case an Executor is incapable of acting. It helps to appoint people you trust who have a good understanding of your affairs and your values.

Your “estate” is basically your assets, less any liabilities you leave. While you are legally obliged to provide for particular persons in your life (i.e. your spouse and children), you can distribute your estate as you see fit. If we foresee any risks with your wishes, we will let you know. It is also worthwhile giving consideration to where your “bits and pieces” will go and whether you want any charities or causes to receive anything from your estate.

Once you have decided who you wish to benefit, you should also think about how you want your estate to pass. For example, if beneficiaries are quite young, who looks after their share during that time? Do you want to ensure your children’s share is protected if they become exposed to asset risk? If leaving a share to a charity, do you want to direct how the charity uses the funds? We can walk you through your options if you want to include a little more structure around how your beneficiaries receive their share.

You can provide direction about the guardianship of your young children in your Will, including who you would prefer look after them and your wishes more generally (i.e. what school they attend). If you have a number of wishes in this regard, you might like to collate them in a document that sits alongside your Will, which you can update more regularly.

Your Will can also help your loved ones when it comes time to make decisions about your funeral and how your body is dealt with after your death, including whether your organs are to be donated and your preferences to be buried or cremated. It always helps to discuss these matters with your loved ones, so they have a good understanding of your wishes, but the inclusion in your Will can provide further comfort.

Your superannuation and life insurance sits outside your Will, but it needs to be considered as it is often another significant asset. It helps to consider why you hold these assets (i.e. are they there to pay off large liabilities?) and make sure they pass in a way that aligns with your intentions. We can also provide you with some recommendations to minimise the tax that might otherwise be payable on these types of assets.

Your Will won’t take effect until you pass away, so it is also worthwhile having a think about how you would like your affairs dealt with if you became incapacitated. For example, who do you want making decisions about where you live, who would you want handling your finances, who would step in and look after your children’s interests?

The documents which allow you to appoint people to make these decisions for you are known as Powers of Attorney, you can find out more Powers of Attorney here.

* this list is not exhaustive, as it could go on forever! The best way to ensure you are 100% comfortable with what happens if you pass away or become incapacitated is to run through it all with one of our lawyers.

Find out more about what to consider when making a Will here.

Ready to take the next step?

Get in touch with our expert legal team today for tailored solutions.

Ready to take the next step?

Get in touch with our expert legal team today for tailored solutions.