Wills, Estates and Trusts

A personal, client-focused approach to estate and trust administration

We understand that working with individuals to administer estates and trusts, implement succession plans, or contest wills and estates, requires a commercial approach, a genuine interest in people and their unique circumstances and a detailed understanding of the law.

Since 1926, we have prided ourselves on building enduring partnerships with our clients that are generations in the making. We always take the time to understand our clients and what motivates them.

Beyond wills: comprehensive succession planning

Succession planning is about more than just making a will, it’s about ensuring that the right assets end up with the right people at the appropriate time.

We use testamentary discretionary trusts to preserve estate assets for the intended beneficiaries. We also assist in the preparation of family constitutions and the establishment and operation of family offices.

Backed by a full-service firm, we provide integrated, cross-practice capability, working regularly with McR teams, including tax and structuring, real estate, finance and corporate, to provide comprehensive advice. 

Dedicated lawyers for contested estates

Estate planning is often complex and unique. In modern families and when businesses are involved, there are frequently disputes which arise given the varied and competing interests of the family members.

We assist with the collection of estate assets from various institutions and liaise with the estate’s creditors where appropriate. We specialise in family provision applications, equitable claims, constructive trusts, will and trust deed validation, interpretation and drafting of wills, cy-pres applications, and advising on the rights of trustees and beneficiaries in relation to trusts.

Our senior lawyers regularly act as mediators in contested estates, as independent administrators and as litigation guardians for infant beneficiaries.