Trusts & Estates

Trusts & Estates

Victorian Lawyers provides comprehensive legal advice in relation to the establishment, administration, and dispute resolution of trusts and estates. Our firm assists individuals, families, trustees, executors, and beneficiaries with protecting and managing assets, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, and resolving disputes that may arise during the administration of trusts or deceased estates.

Trust and estate matters often involve complex legal, financial, and family considerations. Our approach focuses on providing clear and practical advice that safeguards assets while ensuring that the intentions of settlors and testators are properly implemented.

We regularly advise clients on the creation and structuring of family trusts, asset protection strategies, and the transfer of property and investments into trust structures. We also assist trustees with their ongoing duties and obligations, including compliance with the Trusts Act 2019, which governs the responsibilities and powers of trustees in New Zealand.

In relation to estates, we assist executors and administrators with the legal process following the death of a family member, including applications for probate or letters of administration, estate administration, and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

Where disputes arise, our firm represents clients in matters concerning contested wills, estate claims, and disputes between beneficiaries and trustees. These claims may arise under the Family Protection Act 1955, the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, or through challenges to the validity or interpretation of wills and trust instruments.

Our Trusts & Estates related legal services include:

• Establishment and structuring of family trusts

• Asset protection and succession planning

• Advice to trustees regarding duties and compliance obligations

• Preparation and review of wills, Enduring Power of Attorneys

• Probate and letters of administration applications

• Estate administration and distribution of assets

• Trust restructuring, variation, and resettlement

• Disputes involving trustees, beneficiaries, or executors

• Contested wills and estate claims

• Representation in mediation and court proceedings relating to trusts and estates (Probate/Letters of Administration/related proceedings)

Victorian Lawyers is committed to providing practical and strategic advice that protects family wealth, ensures compliance with legal obligations, and resolves disputes efficiently and sensitively.