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At Gouveia Legal, we understand that creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after you're gone. Our experienced team provides thoughtful guidance to help you create a legally binding will that clearly expresses your intentions and provides for those who matter most to you.
Thorough analysis of the original decision and its legal bases
Identification of factual errors and misapplications of policy
Strategic development of new or additional evidence
Clear communication about realistic prospects and timeframes
Strong written submissions that address decision criteria
Effective representation at hearings and interviews
We handle every matter with care and discretion—because behind every will is a family.
Clear, straightforward guidance so you understand your rights and options at every step.
Wills, powers of attorney, trusts—crafted to suit your unique personal and financial circumstances.
Smart planning to reduce the risk of future conflict and protect your wishes.
Efficient support for executors and beneficiaries during probate and estate administration.
Experienced representation in contested wills and estate claims, with a focus on resolution and results.
You should review and potentially update your Will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, purchase of significant assets, or changes in your financial situation. If you die without a valid Will (intestate), your assets will be distributed according to state legislation, which may not reflect your wishes. This can cause unnecessary stress for your loved ones, potential family disputes, and increased costs and delays in administering your estate.
An Enduring Power of Attorney authorises someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so, while an Enduring Guardianship appoints someone to make personal, health, and lifestyle decisions for you. Both documents are essential parts of a complete estate plan, as they ensure your affairs are managed according to your wishes if you lose decision-making capacity. We can help you appoint trusted individuals to these roles and clearly define the scope of their authority.
The probate process typically takes 2-6 months in straightforward cases but can extend significantly longer depending on various factors. Delays commonly occur due to complex assets, interstate or overseas property, contested Wills, insufficient estate liquidity, tax complications, or missing beneficiaries. Our team works efficiently to minimise delays while ensuring all legal requirements are properly fulfilled.
Yes, certain family members can contest your Will if they believe they haven’t been adequately provided for. These commonly include spouses, de facto partners, children, and in some cases, dependent grandchildren or stepchildren. To minimise contest risks, we recommend: creating a clear, properly executed Will; documenting your reasons for any unequal distributions; considering a binding financial agreement with your spouse; potentially using testamentary trusts; and in some cases, distributing assets during your lifetime. We’ll help you understand the specific risks in your situation and implement appropriate strategies.
Administering an estate typically involves locating the Will, applying for probate (if required), identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. While not legally required to engage a lawyer, many executors choose to do so due to the complex legal obligations and personal liability involved. We can either manage the entire process or provide targeted assistance with specific aspects, helping you fulfill your duties efficiently while minimising personal risk.
A simple Will directly distributes assets to beneficiaries, while a Will with testamentary trusts establishes one or more trusts that come into effect upon your death. Testamentary trusts offer significant advantages including asset protection from creditors or relationship breakdowns, potential tax benefits for beneficiaries (especially those with children), protection for vulnerable beneficiaries, and greater control over how and when your assets are used. We can help determine if testamentary trusts would benefit your situation and design them to meet your specific objectives.
Estate disputes can often be resolved through alternative methods before resorting to litigation. These include: family meetings facilitated by an independent mediator; formal mediation sessions; collaborative law processes; or structured negotiations between legal representatives. These approaches typically save time and money while preserving family relationships and privacy. If court proceedings become necessary, we have extensive experience in estate litigation and will vigorously represent your interests while still seeking practical solutions.
TESTIMONIALS
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Andrew is a Sydney-based solicitor with a strong background in commercial litigation and transactional legal work. He has acted for a broad range of clients across insolvency, estate disputes, and property-related matters. His experience also extends to drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, advising on business and property transactions, and preparing tailored estate planning documents.
Known for delivering clear, commercially minded advice, Andrew established Gouveia Legal to provide clients with legal services that are practical, accessible, and results driven. Whether navigating a dispute or managing a transaction, he brings a strategic approach grounded in understanding each client’s goals and delivering value at every stage.
Clients come to Andrew for straightforward guidance and a solicitor who takes the time to understand their situation and can get results.
In his spare time, Andrew likes to train Jiu-Jitsu, take his dog Henry for long walks and enjoys watching anything by Guy Ritchie or Martin Scorsese.
Melissa is an experienced lawyer with extensive expertise in personal injury law and a keen interest in immigration.
Holding a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Graduate Law Degree, she combines a strong analytical foundation with a compassionate approach to legal advocacy.
With significant experience working as both a plaintiff lawyer at Australia’s top firms and a legal representative for Australia’s insurers, Melissa brings a well-rounded perspective to every case she handles.
Known for her exceptional negotiation skills, Melissa is dedicated to securing the best outcomes for her clients. Her empathetic nature allows her to connect with individuals, understanding their unique challenges and providing clear, supportive guidance through complex legal processes. Committed to achieving justice, Melissa ensures her clients receive fair and timely resolutions to their claims, whether through skilled negotiation or robust representation.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys fashion, going out with friends and family.
