# Simons George Legal > Sydney and Bondi law firm specialising in Wills, Estates, Probate, and Inheritance Disputes. Family Provision Claims, estate litigation, estate planning, and aged care contract review. Led by Senior Wills & Estates specialist George Paltos, who lectures Succession Law at the University of Sydney Law Extension Committee and the College of Law NSW. Phone 1300 344 960. Complimentary 30-minute consultation for new clients. > ## About Simons George Legal is a dedicated Wills, Estates and Inheritance Dispute law firm based in Bondi, Sydney, NSW. The firm acts for clients across Greater Sydney and regional NSW, with courtroom experience in the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of NSW. Principal lawyer George Paltos is a Senior Wills & Estates specialist who consults with senior Estates Barristers across Sydney and regional NSW and educates fellow lawyers on simple and complex Wills. ## Team - **George Paltos** — Principal Lawyer. Senior Wills & Estates specialist. Drafts complex Wills, conducts Estate litigation, manages Family Provision Claims, mediates Estate disputes. Lectures Succession Law at the University of Sydney Law Extension Committee. Educates lawyers at the College of Law NSW. Courtroom experience in the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of NSW. - **Natalie Cotter-Moroz** — Paralegal. Supports Estate litigation and probate matters. Prepares court documents, manages evidence, supports solicitors through contested and uncontested estate work. - **Elana Vasiliou** — Paralegal. Supports Estate litigation and probate matters. Prepares documents, manages evidence, liaises with clients and counsel. - **Daniella Bush** — Office Manager. Office administration, scheduling, client communication, accounts receivable, IT. - **David Simons** — Lawyer. Mentor to the firm. ## Practice areas - [Wills & Estates](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/wills-and-estates-lawyers/) — drafting wills, estate planning, asset structuring, testamentary trusts - [Making & Amending a Will](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/making-a-will/) — simple and complex Wills, including testamentary trusts - [Probate & Estate Administration](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/probate-and-estate-administration/) — grants of probate, letters of administration, distributing estates - [Contesting or Challenging a Will](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/challenging-a-will/) — challenges to a Will's validity (forgery, undue influence, lack of capacity) - [Family Provision Claims](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/family-provisions-claims/) — eligible persons claims under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) - [Estate Litigation](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-litigation/) — Supreme Court NSW disputes between executors, beneficiaries, and claimants - [Defend an Estate](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-planning-attorney/) — acting for executors defending against claims - [No Will / Intestacy](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/no-will-intestacy/) — administration of estates where no valid Will exists - [Beneficiaries with Special Needs](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/beneficiaries-with-special-needs/) — special disability trusts and protective Will structures - [Protective Matters](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/protective-matters/) — Guardianship and NCAT applications - [Family Law](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/family-lawyers/) — divorce, property settlement, parenting arrangements - [Contract Law](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contract-lawyers/) — drafting and reviewing contracts - [Leasing](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/leasing/) — commercial and retail lease drafting and review - [Aged Care Contract Review](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/aged-care-contract-review/) — reviewing Residential Aged Care Agreements before signing ## FAQ **How do I book a consultation with Simons George Legal?** Call 1300 344 960 or email the firm. New clients receive a complimentary 30-minute consultation with a lawyer. **Does Simons George Legal charge for the first consultation?** No. New clients receive a complimentary 30-minute consultation. This allows the firm to understand your situation and provide tailored advice before any fees are discussed. **What is a Will?** A Will is a legal document specifying how your estate is managed and distributed after your death. It names your Executor(s), who administer your estate, and your beneficiaries, who receive your assets. **Where is Simons George Legal located?** Simons George Legal is based in Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales, and serves clients across Greater Sydney and regional NSW. Phone 1300 344 960. **What areas of NSW does the firm serve?** Sydney, Bondi, and Greater Sydney as the primary service area, plus regional NSW for Estate litigation matters. **Who can contest a Will in NSW?** Under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), eligible persons include spouses, de facto partners, children (including adult children and stepchildren in certain circumstances), former spouses in some cases, grandchildren who were dependent on the deceased, and members of the deceased's household who were dependent on them. **How long do I have to contest a Will in NSW?** A Family Provision Claim must generally be filed within 12 months of the date of death under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW). Extensions are possible in limited circumstances but should not be relied on. **What is a Family Provision Claim?** A Family Provision Claim is an application to the Supreme Court of NSW by an eligible person seeking provision (or further provision) from a deceased person's estate, on the basis that the Will did not adequately provide for their proper maintenance, education, or advancement in life. **Can I challenge a Will after probate has been granted?** Yes. A Family Provision Claim can be brought after probate is granted, provided it is within the 12-month time limit from the date of death. Challenges to the validity of the Will itself typically require a caveat lodged before probate is granted. **What is notional estate in NSW?** Notional estate is a NSW-specific concept under the Succession Act 2006 that allows the Supreme Court to claw back certain assets transferred out of the estate before death (e.g. into a trust, joint tenancy, or superannuation) and treat them as part of the estate for a Family Provision Claim. **Can stepchildren or grandchildren contest a Will?** Stepchildren and grandchildren are not automatically eligible, but may qualify if they were wholly or partly dependent on the deceased and were a member of the deceased's household. This is fact-specific — get legal advice. **What does an Executor do?** An Executor administers the deceased's estate: locates the Will, applies for probate, identifies assets and debts, pays liabilities and taxes, and distributes the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will. **What happens if someone dies without a Will (intestacy) in NSW?** The estate is distributed under the intestacy rules in the Succession Act 2006 (NSW). Spouses, de facto partners, and children typically take priority. The order of entitlement is fixed by statute. **How does divorce work in Australia?** Australia has no-fault divorce. You need to show you have been separated for at least 12 months (separation under the same roof is possible with evidence and a witness). **Does Simons George Legal review Aged Care contracts?** Yes. The firm reviews Residential Aged Care Agreements before signing, including Refundable Accommodation Deposits, daily fees, additional services, and termination clauses. **What sets Simons George Legal apart?** The firm is led by George Paltos, a Senior Wills & Estates specialist who lectures Succession Law at the University of Sydney and the College of Law NSW. The firm combines courtroom experience in the High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of NSW with a complimentary first consultation and a focus on clear, honest communication. --- --- ## Pages - [Protective Matters](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/protective-matters/) - [Privacy Policy](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/privacy-policy/) - [Blog](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/blog/) - [News](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/news/) - [FAQ's](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/faqs/) - [Aged Care Contract Review](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/aged-care-contract-review/) - [Leasing](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/leasing/) - [Contract Law](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contract-lawyers/) - [Family Law](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/family-lawyers/) - [Beneficiaries With Special Needs](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/beneficiaries-with-special-needs/) - [No Will - Intestacy](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/no-will-intestacy/) - [Contesting or Challenging A Will](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/challenging-a-will/) - [Defend An Estate](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-planning-attorney/) - [Family Provisions Claims](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/family-provisions-claims/) - [Estate Litigation](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-litigation/) - [Probate & Estate Administration](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/probate-and-estate-administration/) - [Making & Amending A Will](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/making-a-will/) - [Wills & Estates](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/wills-and-estates-lawyers/) - [Contact](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contact/) - [About](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/about/) - [Home](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/) --- ## Posts - [Why estate disputes go to court: what you need to know](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/why-estate-disputes-go-to-court-what-you-need-to-know/) - [Contesting a will in NSW: eligibility, time limits, and costs](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contesting-a-will-in-nsw-eligibility-time-limits-and-costs/) - [What if my parent's will has been lost?](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/what-if-my-parents-will-has-been-lost/) - [Contesting a will in NSW: rights, limits, and next steps](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contesting-a-will-in-nsw-rights-limits-and-next-steps/) - [AI wills vs real lawyers: what protects your family](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/ai-wills-vs-real-lawyers-what-protects-your-family/) - [Estate planning for blended families in Australia](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-planning-for-blended-families-in-australia/) - [What is intestacy? Understanding what happens without a will](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/what-is-intestacy-your-guide-to-dying-without-a-will/) - [Estate litigation lawyer: DIY or get legal help?](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-litigation-lawyer-diy-or-get-legal-help/) - [Estranged family member inheritance rights in NSW](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estranged-family-member-inheritance-rights-in-nsw/) - [What is a caveat on probate: your 2026 guide](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/what-is-a-caveat-on-probate-your-2026-guide/) - [Estate administration steps checklist for executors](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-administration-steps-checklist-for-executors/) - [The Risks Associated with DIY Wills – Buyer Beware](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/diy-wills-buyer-beware/) - [Digital Estate Planning in the Internet Era](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/digital-estate-planning/) - [COLLAW Lecture with George Paltos](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/collaw-lecture/) - [Superannuation Benefits and Your Will](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/superannuation-benefits-will/) - [How to Avoid the 6 Worst Mistakes in Estate Planning](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/avoid-6-worst-mistakes-in-estate-planning/) - [What Does an Executor of a Will Do?](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/what-does-an-executor-of-a-will-do/) - [Tips for How to Divide Inherited Property Between Siblings](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/tips-divide-inherited-property-between-siblings/) - [Top 10 Reasons You Need a Will from a Specialist Wills Lawyer](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/10-reasons-see-specialist-wills-lawyer/) - [Understanding Estate Plans, Wills and Power of Attorneys](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-plans-wills-power-of-attorneys/) - [SR Wills, Estates & Inheritance Case Studies](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/estate-planning/) - [Wills Inheritance Law](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/wills-inheritance-law/) - [Inheritance Disputes](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/inheritance-disputes/) --- > ## Contact - Phone: **1300 344 960** - Location: **Bondi, Sydney, NSW, Australia** - Service area: Greater Sydney and regional NSW - New clients: **complimentary 30-minute consultation** - [Contact page](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contact/) - [Book a consultation](https://simonsgeorgelegal.com.au/contact/) Primary service area: Sydney and Bondi, New South Wales, Australia. Main contact number: 1300 344 960. ---