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Inheritance disputes

Inheritance disputes

Family fights can be emotionally draining and difficult. We're here to guide you.

The death of a relative is a difficult time for any family and even more so when a dispute looms over the estate. We can provide you with clear information, advice and representation to help you to navigate this challenging period. 

Estate disputes are as varied as the lives of the people involved. It is critical to obtain effective legal advice on your specific circumstances. We understand the toll that these sorts of disputes take on families. We will give you practical and objective advice and help you resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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Common Estate Issues

Work with Perth's leading deceased estate lawyers

Sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as they should. If you’re dealing with a disagreement or concern about an estate, we’ll help you understand your options and take the right steps forward with clarity.

Challenges to a Will and disputes
Concerned about whether a Will is legally sound? We provide clear, practical advice without unnecessary cost or complexity.
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Family provision claims
Not all Wills reflect what's fair. In some cases, the Supreme Court can amend them - and we’re here to guide you, whichever side you're on.
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Claiming superannuation death benefits
Superannuation is often one of the biggest assets in an estate - and also one of the most complex. Getting clear advice early makes all the difference.
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Disputing transactions before death
It’s a heartbreaking truth that vulnerable people are sometimes exploited financially by those they rely on most. We’re here to help you address it.
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Executor or administrator conduct concerns
Not every executor does the right thing. If you’re worried about how an estate is being managed, we can step in.
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Appointing an independent administrator
In situations of uncertainty or conflict, we’re able to act as a trusted independent administrator to preserve the estate's value and integrity.
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FAQs

You may be able to challenge a Will if you have one of the following relationships with the testator:
  • married or de facto partner immediately before the testator’s death;
  • a former spouse or former de facto partner if you received or were entitled to receive maintenance from the testator;
  • a child;
  • a grandchild or step-child (in certain circumstances); and
  • a parent or step-parent.
The Court will first consider whether the testator has made an adequate provision for you in your particular circumstances. This includes consideration of:
  • your financial position, level of education and age;
  • the provision made for you in the Will (if any);
  • the relationship the testator had with you and the other beneficiaries;
  • the value and nature of the estate;
  • any contribution you have made to the testator’s assets;
  • the needs of other family members; and
  • any conduct that you have engaged in that may disentitle you to a share of the estate.
If the Court finds that an adequate provision has not been made for you, it will effectively re-write the Will so that it reflects what a wise and just testator would have done.
If you intend to challenge a Will, time is of the essence. You must apply within 6 months from the date of any grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (although the Court has a discretion to extend the deadline).
A beneficiary of a challenged Will does not need to actively participate in the proceedings. However, if the Court upholds the challenge, the amount you will receive under the Will may be reduced. For this reason, you may want to present your financial and personal circumstances to the Court to persuade it not to reduce your entitlement.
As an executor, you will need to be actively involved in the court proceedings. Your role is two-fold: to provide information regarding the value and nature of the estate and to defend the existing Will. In most cases, an executor will be entitled to have their legal costs paid from the estate, irrespective of the outcome of the proceedings.

Why choose Perth Probate Centre?

Clear, compassionate probate support when you need it most.

01.
We simplify the process

Grief is hard enough. We’ll guide you step by step with practical advice and clear communication, so you always know what to expect.  Read what our clients say.

02.
We lighten the load

From paperwork to probate court, we handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters – your family and your wellbeing.

03.
We're trusted experts

With hundreds of estates managed, both big and small, we bring deep experience, legal know-how, and genuine care to every family we support.

We're here to help

Not sure where to begin?

You don’t have to have all the answers – that’s what we’re here for.
Chat with our friendly legal team and we’ll guide you through it.

(08) 9220 4490

Meet our team

Probate and estate administration is what we do, and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years. You’re in experienced hands.

Michael Hodgkins
Legal Practitioner Director
Michael is an experienced succession and property lawyer and has served the Western Australian community as a legal practitioner for over 27 years at Curae Law.  Michael has represented clients, both in and out of court, in matters spanning……
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Nigel Siegwart
Legal Practitioner Director
Nigel leads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution team and has experience in a wide variety of litigation matters including deceased estate litigation, family provision claims, contractual and construction disputes, trust and property matters. Nigel has an instinctive ability……
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Lucy Dickens
Legal Practitioner Director
Lucy leads our non-contentious Wills and estates team, delivering clear, compassionate, and practical advice on succession planning and estate administration. Her approach combines legal expertise with a passion for innovation, making complex processes simple and accessible……
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Sean McMurdo
Lawyer
Sean is a dedicated lawyer within the wills and probate team. Sean guides individuals through the intricacies of legal matters such as wills, powers of attorney, and powers of guardianship. In the realm of estate planning, Sean offers insightful……
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Testimonials

What our clients say

Hi Lucy, Thank you very much for all your efforts and work on our behalf. You have been the shining light that has guided us through a difficult and complex process. Thank you for your empathetic and professional approach. Please thank your team on our behalf.
Perth Probate Centre Client
August 17, 2026
Hi Nigel, thank you, I am so grateful for your work.
Ms P - Contentious Estates Client
August 17, 2026
Dear Nigel, Thank you very much for all you have done and still doing for us. You and your team are wonderful. I will definitely let friends and family know of your support and services that Curae Law provided to us. Thank you again. Have a good day.
Ms G - Contentious Estates Client
August 17, 2026
Nigel was very easy to work with. This took all the stress out of the situation for me. I’m very pleased with how the matter was dealt with. Thank you for your help, Nigel.
Ms T - Contentious estates client
August 16, 2026
Hi Nigel and Sophia, thanks so much for your great work and for guiding me through a difficult process. I’m especially grateful for you seeing me so quickly after my niece, made her initial enquiry. I’ll definitely recommend Curae Law to anybody who needs help with wills and deceased estates etc.
Mr E - Contentious Estates Client
August 6, 2026
Highly recommended! Nigel Siegwart is an impressive communicator and negotiator, you would be lucky to secure his services! A highly ethical, clear communicator, there was no confusion at any stage. All costs and objective legal advice were clearly set out and explained. Nigel skilfully navigated sensitive issues in our case & negotiated all roadblocks with firmness and in a highly courteous manner. Where we stressed and wilted , he seemed to thrive on the challenge. Anyone seeking peace of mind can completely trust Nigel and his team to handle their case with the utmost professionalism. Thank you so very much Nigel!
Ms M - Contentious Estates Client
August 6, 2026