Wills & Estates Solicitor Near Shellharbour
Serving Shoalhaven & The Illawarra
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- 30+ Years Diverse Legal Experience
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Shellharbour Wills & Estates Solicitor
NH Legal provides wills and estates legal services to individuals and families across Shellharbour, offering structured support in preparing and managing essential end-of-life legal documents. Led by Principal Solicitor Neil Hartley—who has over 30 years of legal experience—we help clients navigate tasks such as will drafting, estate administration, powers of attorney, and contested estate matters. Our firm prioritises accurate documentation, responsive communication, and informed legal guidance tailored to the Shellharbour community.
Clients may require assistance when creating a new will, updating existing instructions, administering an estate, or resolving disputes following a loved one’s passing. Our work in Shellharbour supports people during significant life stages, ensuring clarity around legal responsibilities and options. We approach all our services with attention to detail and a consistent process, with support available for simple matters through to complex estate scenarios.
To book an initial consultation at no charge, contact us today on
0416 705 799.
Services We Offer Near Shellharbour
- Family Law
- Wills and Estates Solicitor
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Document Preparation & Support
Wills and estates services in Shellharbour are delivered using a clear, document-based process. Clients begin with a consultation to discuss their personal, family, and financial circumstances. From this, the appropriate documents are prepared—such as wills, enduring guardianships, and powers of attorney. We ensure that each document reflects the individual’s instructions and meets relevant legal requirements.
Where estate administration is involved, our firm can assist with the identification and collection of assets, communication with beneficiaries, and the preparation of documents for probate or letters of administration. If there is a dispute, we may provide support for mediation, negotiation, or court proceedings.
Transparency is maintained throughout the process through clear communication, timely updates, and an explanation of next steps. The service model is designed to meet the needs of clients in Shellharbour by combining legal clarity with professional procedure. Clients can expect practical, well-documented support from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if someone dies without a will in Australia?
If someone dies without a valid will in Australia, they are considered to have died “intestate.” In such cases, the estate is distributed according to the intestacy laws of the relevant state or territory. These laws outline a specific hierarchy of who inherits the estate, typically starting with a spouse or de facto partner, followed by children, parents, siblings, and then more distant relatives.
Without a will, there is no executor, so an administrator must apply for Letters of Administration from the Supreme Court. This process may be more time-consuming than a standard probate application and can involve additional documentation. Intestacy can also lead to disputes if family members disagree on entitlements, and it may result in outcomes that do not reflect the deceased’s wishes. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that all adults consider drafting a legally valid will to guide the administration of their estate.
How often should a will be updated?
A will should be reviewed and potentially updated after any significant life event that might affect how you want your estate distributed. Common events that should trigger a review include marriage, divorce, the birth or death of a family member, acquiring or selling property, or changes to financial circumstances. It’s also a good idea to revisit your will every few years even if no major changes have occurred, to ensure it still reflects your intentions.
An outdated will may not account for new relationships, guardianship of children, or shifts in asset value, which can complicate the administration process. In Australia, if you get married, any will made before that marriage is generally revoked unless it was explicitly made in contemplation of marriage. Likewise, divorce may affect how your estate is distributed, especially regarding your former spouse’s role as beneficiary or executor. Keeping your will current helps avoid legal complications and ensures your final wishes are properly recorded.
What does an enduring power of attorney do?
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person (the principal) to appoint another individual (the attorney) to manage their financial and legal affairs. Unlike a general power of attorney, an enduring power continues to be valid even if the principal loses mental capacity. This makes it an important tool for future planning, particularly for older individuals or those with health concerns.
The appointed attorney can carry out a wide range of functions, including managing bank accounts, paying bills, buying or selling property, and dealing with government bodies. However, they cannot make personal or medical decisions unless appointed separately under an enduring guardianship. The document must be signed while the principal still has legal capacity, and it must be witnessed by an authorised person such as a solicitor or justice of the peace. Carefully selecting a trustworthy and capable attorney is essential, as the role carries significant legal responsibility.
