Probate, Administration & Estate Litigation

If you feel as though you’ve been unfairly left out of a will, or that you haven’t received your fair share, you may be eligible to make a family provision claim under Victorian law. At Mahons, we help you navigate the family provision claim process, assessing your entitlements and pursuing subsequent claims with sensitivity and care. We focus on resolving matters efficiently, ideally through negotiation, but our expert estate lawyers are also ready to provide strong representation in court if needed. We bring a strategic but deeply compassionate approach to delicate matters – we aim to achieve a fair outcome without adding to the emotional and financial toll of an already difficult time.

Applying for probate confirms the will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to manage the deceased’s estate. At Mahons we walk side-by-side with executors through the entire process, preparing and filing all the necessary documents. Our aim: to make a complex and unfamiliar task feel transparent and manageable, and to ensure every step is handled properly and promptly. With a long history of Victorian probate experience, our estate team brings an ideal combination of expertise, efficiency, understanding and attention to detail.

When someone dies without a valid will, you’ll usually need to apply for letters of administration in order to manage their estate. While this process can be more complicated than probate, our experienced team is here to help. We alert and advise next of kin or eligible relatives of their rights and responsibilities, and we prepare and lodge all the necessary documents with the court. We offer clear guidance at every stage of the process, and tailor our support to your circumstances.

The duties of an executor of a will in Victoria include organising the funeral, paying off debts and distributing assets. But while the responsibility is significant, being named an executor doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. At Mahons we’ve built a reputation for providing trusted executor legal advice and support, helping you understand your duties and manage the estate in line with the will and the law. We’re here to provide as much assistance as you need, from answering basic questions to handling the full administration process on your behalf. We ease the burden, and ensure the process is completed correctly, efficiently and respectfully.

As experienced estate administration solicitors, the Mahons Lawyers estate team is here to provide you with caring and compassionate support through the task of administering a deceased estate. During what is often a challenging time, we’ll help you to distribute assets and handle all legal and financial matters. We walk side-by-side with you through the entire process, from applying for probate or letters of administration, to managing liabilities and finalising distributions, Our tailored support will make the most complex estate administration feel clear and manageable.

If you feel as though a will is invalid, or doesn’t appropriately reflect the true intentions of the deceased, you have the option to contest. It’s no small step, but with the support of our experienced team, the process becomes far less daunting. We can guide you on all contested will matters: who can contest a will, the reasons to contest a will, and how to contest a will. Grounds for contesting can include lack of capacity, undue influence or improper execution. Whatever your situation, we’ll assess and explain your options, before pursuing your claim with care, skill and discretion.

Will disputes can create lasting family divisions. At Mahons we help you to avoid that fate by resolving issues early through negotiation and mediation. Whether you’re an executor dealing with a challenge to the will, or a beneficiary with concerns about your share, we provide calm, compassionate, practical guidance and a clear path forward. We work to minimise stress, litigation and expense, while protecting your rights and preserving relationships wherever possible.