Plan, protect and provide for the people you love
Our experienced Sydney wills & estates lawyers help you draft watertight wills, plan complex estates, defend against family provision claims, and resolve disputes — with clarity, care and fixed fees where possible.
Wills & estates law affects everyone — eventually
The question is whether the people you leave behind inherit a clear plan or a costly dispute.
At Simons George Legal, our team helps families make sound decisions during life's most important moments — from drafting a first will, to navigating probate, to contesting or defending an inheritance.
George Paltos is experienced in dispute resolution, mediation, family provision claims, probate, and the defence of estates against unwarranted claims. We focus on practical, fast outcomes — and we keep our advice plain-English so you always understand where you stand.
Whether your matter is straightforward or deeply complex — multi-jurisdictional assets, blended families, business succession, or contested estates — we tailor the approach to your circumstances. Start with a free 30-minute consultation with no obligation.
Six areas where families need clarity
Every estate is different. Here are the matters we handle most often — but if your situation isn't listed, please ask.
Drafting wills
From simple wills to mutual wills, testamentary trust wills, and wills involving overseas assets — we draft documents that hold up in the NSW Supreme Court.
Estate planning
Coordinated planning across superannuation, family trusts, business interests and asset protection — designed to evolve as your circumstances change.
Probate & administration
We obtain grants of probate and letters of administration, and guide executors through their legal duties — efficiently and without unnecessary stress.
Family provision claims
If you've been left out of a will — or unfairly provided for — we can advise whether you have a claim under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW).
Defending estates
If your loved one's estate is being challenged, we defend executors and beneficiaries — protecting the testator's true wishes through evidence, strategy and the courts.
Mediation & disputes
Most inheritance disputes are best resolved outside court. We negotiate, mediate and only litigate when it's genuinely in your interest.
George and the team guided us through a complicated family provision claim with calm, clarity and real care. We never felt rushed — and the outcome was better than we'd hoped.Verified Google Review
Modern estates need modern planning
Estate planning today is far more than a will. Rising wealth, blended families, superannuation rules, family trusts and changing tax law all mean a one-page document drafted a decade ago may no longer reflect your wishes — or protect your beneficiaries.
Our team takes an interdisciplinary approach: we coordinate across testamentary trusts, asset protection, superannuation death benefit nominations, business succession, binding nominations and powers of attorney to build a plan that fits your full picture.
And we treat estate planning as an ongoing relationship — not a one-time event. We'll prompt you to review the plan whenever laws change or your circumstances shift, so it stays current for life.
Book a free 30-minute consultation to talk through your goals.
A complete estate plan typically covers
- A current, valid will — reviewed every 3–5 years
- Enduring power of attorney and enduring guardianship
- Binding death benefit nominations for superannuation
- Testamentary trusts where tax or asset protection benefits apply
- Business succession planning for company & trust structures
- A schedule of digital assets, accounts and key contacts
- A strategy to minimise the risk of family provision claims
Wills & estates — answered honestly
Five of the questions we're asked most often by Sydney clients.
What is a family provision claim?
A family provision claim is a legal application made under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) by an "eligible person" — usually a spouse, child, former spouse, or dependent — who believes a deceased person's will did not adequately provide for their proper maintenance, education or advancement in life.
In NSW, claims must generally be filed within 12 months of the date of death. If you're considering a claim, or defending one, it's important to seek advice early.
How much does a will cost?
A straightforward will starts from a fixed fee — we'll quote you upfront after our free 30-minute consultation, so there are no surprises. Complex wills involving testamentary trusts, blended families or overseas assets cost more, but we still scope and quote before any work begins wherever possible.
Do I really need a will if I don't have many assets?
Yes. Without a valid will, your estate is distributed under NSW intestacy rules — which may not reflect your wishes, especially in blended families or de facto relationships. A will also lets you appoint a guardian for children, name your preferred executor, and reduce the risk of disputes between loved ones.
What is probate, and do I need it?
Probate is a grant from the NSW Supreme Court confirming that a will is valid and that the executor has authority to administer the estate. It's typically required when the estate includes real property, significant bank balances, or shares held in the deceased's sole name. We can advise whether probate is needed and obtain it on your behalf.
What should I bring to my free consultation?
If you have any of the following, please bring them — but don't worry if you don't, we can still help:
Any existing will or estate plan, a rough list of your assets and liabilities, details of beneficiaries or family members, super fund and life insurance information, and any letters or court documents if a dispute has already started.
Talk to us today
30 minutes. No obligation. Confidential. We'll listen, give you an honest read, and only act when you're ready.