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Losing someone you love is hard enough without having to work through probate forms, asset transfers, and the legal mess that follows. At Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers, we help families across Melbourne and the City of Casey manage deceased estates and probate matters with clarity, care, and straightforward advice. We serve communities including Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren and across the south-east Melbourne corridor.
Whether you are an executor named in a Will or a family member needing to apply for letters of administration, our team will guide you through every step.
Principal Solicitor Patricia Sheedy (Trish) leads our firm and is an Accredited Property Law Specialist in Victoria, bringing a wealth of experience guiding executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through some of the most stressful moments of their lives. We believe in real, down-to-earth service. No jargon, no “take a number” attitude — just genuine legal support from a probate and deceased estate lawyer in Melbourne who treats you like a person, not a file number.
Administering an estate involves complex legal documents and strict legal obligations. The steps you need to take depend on the size of the estate, whether there is a valid Will, and the types of assets involved. We handle the full process so you do not have to piece it together alone and leave yourself at risk of personal liability.
If someone has named you as executor in a Will, you will generally need to apply to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a Grant of Probate before you can deal with the deceased’s assets. Our probate lawyers prepare and lodge the application on your behalf, liaise with banks and financial institutions, and help you meet your legal responsibilities as executor throughout the administration process. Our efficiency and understanding of the Supreme Court requirements and processes sets us apart from other firms.
When someone passes away without a valid Will — known as dying intestate — Victorian intestacy laws decide how the estate is distributed. An eligible family member can apply for Letters of Administration, which gives them the legal authority to manage and distribute the estate. We help you work out who has priority to apply, prepare the supporting affidavits, and manage the Supreme Court application from start to finish.
Once the Court issues a grant, the work of actually administering the estate begins. We help executors call in assets, settle debts, transfer property, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries in line with the Will or the rules of intestacy. Our services include:
Acting as an executor carries large legal responsibility. From identifying assets and paying debts to distributing the estate to beneficiaries, the role can be demanding and emotionally stressful. We are here to take the pressure off, explaining your duties, drafting correspondence, and managing the legal process so you can focus on what matters most whilst knowing you are protected from any risk of personal liability.
Family dynamics can complicate even the most carefully drafted Will. If you are an executor defending an estate or a family member who believes the Will has not properly provided for you, we can advise on your position and next steps under Victorian law.
There are steps interested parties can take to prevent a grant being made or an estate being distributed, for example, if they dispute the validity of the Will or the executor’s authority. Time limits apply, so acting promptly and obtaining legal advice on your position first is crucial. . We can assess the strength of a claim, advise on realistic outcomes, and work toward resolution without unnecessary court proceedings where possible.
Many clients come to us after a loved one has passed away and it serves as a reminder to get their own affairs in order at the same time. We also assist with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Medical Treatment Decision Makers, and broader estate planning, so your family is not left guessing later on.
Dealing with a loved one’s estate should not feel like an uphill battle. Whether you need to apply for probate, obtain letters of administration, or simply want to know where you stand as an executor or beneficiary, the team at Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers is here to help. We will sit down with you, explain your obligations in plain language, and give you a clear fixed-fee quote before any work begins.
Get in touch with Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers to book an appointment with Trish and the team:
Our office offers on-site parking and wheelchair accessible access, and we aim to respond to every enquiry within one business day. When you are ready to talk, we are ready to listen.
We’re here to provide clear advice and practical guidance when you need most.
Navigating a deceased estate can be complex and emotional. Our lawyers provide clear, practical guidance to help executors fulfil their obligations and distribute assets with confidence.
5.0 Star Google Reviews
I cannot recommend this law firm highly enough. From my very first consultation, the team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for my situation. They took the time to explain every step of the legal process in clear and understandable terms, ensuring I felt informed and confident throughout.
What truly sets this firm apart is their dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients. Their attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to excellence were evident in every interaction. Emails and phone calls were returned promptly, and I always felt that my matter was being handled with the utmost priority and care.
If you are looking for a law firm that combines outstanding legal expertise with exceptional client service, I would not hesitate to recommend them. They are truly a credit to the legal profession.
We had our wills, power of attorney and medical treatment decision makers documents finalised. The services were informative, friendly and clear from our first phone call to make the appointment, through to completion. The cost was reasonable for all three (x2 because there is two of us). I highly recommend Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers.
I have been using the team at Wollerman Shacklock for the last 12 months and cannot recommend them highly enough. Trish and her team have been a pleasure to deal with and made the whole experience as trouble free as I had hoped for from day one. They are exceptional at what they do and how they do it, if you are needing legal help you won’t be disappointed
We went to Wollerman Shacklock for conveyancing for our first home purchase. Trish and the team were exceptionally helpful throughout the process and very thorough. She ensured that we understood all areas, and thanks to her we had a good result. Great service.
We started to using service from Wollerman Shacklock in 2018. They helping us trough different contracts and house buying and sale. We couldn't be happy vith knowledge and customer service. Very high standards from get the best results for they customer. If you looking the best property lawyers not hesitate to contact them. We are very happy with Wollerman Shacklock.
Patricia and the team have provided my family and business with first class professional advice and would highly recommend their services. Knowledge with a personal touch is very much appreciated.
What a wonderfully efficient and friendly team they are at Wollerman. Buying my first propert was daunting, but made easefull and secure knowing they were overseeing the process. I mainly dealt with Eileen and Trish and they were delightful and professional to engage with. Highly recommended.
Where do I start!! What fantastic service from Trish, Jess and the team in organising and finalising my parents estate. At what is such a difficult time, they could not have been more helpful and professional but without the exorbitant fees that other Solicitors had quoted. Would definitely use them again. Thanks
Highly recommend Trish and staff at WS. Trish was extremely helpful and courteous, listened and understood my requirement, explored the possible scenarios to achieve the result I was after to my total satisfaction. Look no further than Wollerman Shacklock!!!
I needed to get a letter written by a solicitor in relation to my deceased husband’s final pay from his employer. Beth at Wollerman Shacklock lawyer was fantastic. Beth understands what I was asking for and began working on it that day. After I provided a certified copy of my husband’s death certificate it only took 1 day and the letter was ready. Very happy with this service, speed, compassion and professionalism. Highly recommended.
We needed a solicitor urgently at 4pm on a Friday afternoon. We rang every other firm in Berwick but no one else was willing to squeeze us in at short notice. Thank you so much!! Will definitely be coming back here in the future for our legal needs.
Very professional and helpful. Staff addressed all of our issues and addressed all our requirements, great outcome and very satisfied.
Would recommend them to anyone looking for solid legal services.
I had to urgently get papers signed I front of a lawyer. From the telephone call to presenting to the office. The lawyers were very accomodating, they witnessed me sign the papers and did not charge me. I appreciate their kindness and assistance.
I had a really positive experience dealing with Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers when they handled my late mother's estate.
They were really responsive and handled my matters professionally and promptly.
Kayla @ WS was a pleasure to deal with, very professional, knowledgeable, helpful and proactive in facilitating our settlement. We could not have asked for better and friendly service, and recommend Wolleman Shacklock to everyone, you wont be dissapointed!
The team at Wollerman & Shacklock Lawyers have been a tremendous help when it came to revising our Wills. They were incredibly competent, professional, and dedicated to offering top-notch service.
If you require help with estate planning, we highly advise contacting Wollerman & Shacklock Lawyers.
Absolutely fantastic service! The team made the whole conveyancing process smooth, stress-free, and fast. They were professional, friendly, and always kept me updated.
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Have been using Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers in relation to my mother's will and estate. They have been super helpful and have made navigating through the processes very easy during this difficult time.
Anyone I have had contact with have been courteous and professional at all times.
Thank You.
Patricia, Rose & Oriana are very friendly & professional.
I was tardy in getting my wills finalised & they were patient & helped me get it all sorted.
Thank you!
Have always found Wollerman Shacklock Solicitors & staff, very professional, helpful & nothing is too much trouble, in our dealings with them for over 30yrs.
Highly recommend:)
We are so pleased to have our wills done with Wollerman. We find them warm, friendly and very, very professional.
We gladly recommend them to anyone needing their services.
Our family has been very happy with Wollerman Shacklock for over 30 years.
From property related matters and recently the settlement of an estate.
Highly recommended.
The team at Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers were fantastic to deal with. Always prompt, professional, helpful and friendly. Trish Sheedy was absolutely brilliant and expertly guided us to thoroughly dissect, understand and deal with a frustrating and difficult issue. Her insight, understanding and explanations were clear, concise and helpful and her attention to detail exceptional. We highly recommend Trish & her team for all things legal, especially within the commercial/industrial property law.
We have used Wollerman Shacklock for all our legal needs for more than 20 years, most recently for negotiating probate and estate settlement. Everyone is always friendly and professional and the team display a high degree of knowledge and compassion. I highly recommend their services.
We are a small Melbourne firm, and that is by design. When you are dealing with a deceased estate, the last thing you need is to be passed between strangers or kept out of the loop. Here is what sets us apart:
Trish is one of roughly 75 Accredited Property Law Specialists in Victoria, which matters when estates include real estate, subdivisions, or commercial holdings. Our experienced estate administration team knows the ins and outs of estate administration so we can provide efficient and clear administration advice and guidance.
We quote upfront so you know what things cost from day one, with no surprise bills during an already difficult time.
We tell you how it is, not what you want to hear. If a claim won't succeed or a step is not worth the cost, we will say so.
Our values of equality, respect, and integrity guide every conversation, every email, and every appointment.
Based in the heart of the City of Casey, we understand the Melbourne community we serve and have supported families here for years.
With professional indemnity cover of $2.5 million, public liability of $20 million, and 85% of our new business coming from referrals, you can trust that your family’s matter is in capable, knowledgeable hands.
We make legal support straightforward, with clear advice and practical solutions across property, business and estate matters so you can move forward confidently.
Tell us your situation so we can understand your needs and give you the right direction from the start.
We review your matter and provide straightforward advice so you know where you stand.
We take care of the legal process from start to finish, focused on outcomes you can rely on.
The Supreme Court grants most straightforward probate applications within four to eight weeks of lodging, provided all documents are in order. Administering the full estate — collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries — typically takes between six and twelve months depending on complexity. We keep you informed at each stage so you always know where things are at and advice you on the best times to distribute the estate to minimise any potential claims or risks to you.
Not always. If the estate is modest or assets were jointly held, probate may not be required. We review the assets, liabilities, and ownership structure at your first appointment and tell you honestly whether you need a grant or not. We can then assist with transferring any jointly held assets to your sole name if probate is not required.
The law does not require you to use a lawyer, but probate applications involve strict procedural rules, detailed court forms, firm legal deadlines, and strict legal obligations on executors. Mistakes can cause delays, personal liability for executors, or disputes down the track. Engaging a knowledgeable probate lawyer in Melbourne means we handle the application correctly the first time, minimising the risk to you as executor. Saving a little bit now, can end up costing you a lot more later on.
Probate applies when there is a valid Will left by a deceased person. Letters of Administration apply when a person dies without a Will, or the deceased’s Will is deemed invalid by the Supreme Court of Victoria. Both grants provide legal authority to manage the estate. The process simply differs depending on the circumstances.
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate. We provide fixed-fee quotes upfront for probate and letters of administration applications so you know the full cost before you commit. There are also Supreme Court filing fees, which we will explain during your initial appointment.
You will generally need the original Will, the death certificate, and an inventory of assets and liabilities. The estate may also need to be advertised. Missing or incorrect documentation delays the application. We prepare the application carefully so the first filing is ready to be accepted without repeated requisitions which can delay the administration of the estate.
As executor, you are responsible for locating the Will, identifying all assets and liabilities, applying for probate where required, paying the deceased’s debts and final tax obligations, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. You can be held personally liable for mismanagement or errors. Having a deceased estate lawyer guide you through each step protects both you and the beneficiaries for any errors and claims against you or the estate.
No. Executors cannot access or distribute estate assets to beneficiaries before probate is granted, and they could be held personally liable for losses resulting from early distribution. Certain limited expenses such as paying funeral expenses are permitted. We advise on what you can and cannot do while the application is pending.
Yes. This is where our firm is particularly well-placed. With Trish’s accreditation in property law, we handle the property side of estates efficiently alongside all other steps in the process, including transfers to beneficiaries, sales, and any title issues.
A Transmission Application is the legal process used to transfer real property from a deceased person’s name to the executor/s. It is handled through Land Use Victoria and can only be undertaken after Probate or Letters of Administration have been obtained. If the estate includes real property in Victoria, this is one of the steps we manage as part of the administration process.
Will disputes are more common than most families expect. In Victoria, grounds include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or inadequate provision under Part IV of the Administration and Probate Act 1958. Time limits apply, so acting promptly matters. We can assess the strength of a claim, advise on realistic outcomes, and work toward resolution without unnecessary court proceedings where possible.
Estates that include property in more than one Australian state may require separate probate applications in each relevant jurisdiction. The process and costs vary by state. We handle the Victorian application and can coordinate with solicitors in other states to avoid duplication and keep the estate moving.
Accredited Property Law Specialist
Accredited Property Law Specialist