Dispute resolution

We focus on cost-effective and practical solutions to disputes. We put ourselves in your shoes and give advice as though it was our money or reputation at stake. We won’t sit on the fence – you’ll get realistic and practical advice on the prospects of success, the potential risks and the costs involved.

We can help with:

• contractual disputes – both personal and business
• construction
• debt collection
• employment
• franchising
• insurance
• IT contracts
• product liability
• property
• relationship property
• transport or motor vehicle disputes
• weathertightness

Estate litigation (challenging a Will)

When a Will is seen to be unfair or promises have not been kept, it may be possible to make a challenge to the Will. Grief and difficult family dynamics can make this a stressful process – we can guide you through it with compassion and experience.

We can advise you on:

• whether circumstances exist to challenge the validity of a Will
• whether you can make a claim challenging the contents of a valid Will.

A Will might be challenged as invalid on the grounds that:

• it wasn’t properly witnessed
• the deceased lacked sufficient mental capacity to make a valid Will
• there was undue influence on the deceased by someone benefiting under the Will.

You may be able to challenge the contents of a valid Will under:

• the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 – the deceased’s surviving spouse or partner can claim their share of relationship property instead of accepting the terms of the Will
• the Family Protection Act 1955 – by alleging that the deceased has not made adequate provision for the proper maintenance and support of their immediate family
• the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949 – by alleging that the deceased has not fulfilled a promise to reward services or work done for the deceased by making a provision in the Will.