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Our Services
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Family & Divorce Law
Personal relationship breakdowns can be challenging and emotionally taxing, especially when decisions about children and property are involved. At Panetta Family Lawyers, we offer tailored advice and support to help you navigate these issues, whether you are ending a relationship or seeking to protect your assets as you begin a new one.
We provide guidance on divorce, separation, property settlements, financial agreements including prenuptial agreements, parenting arrangements, child support agreements, wills after separation, and representation in both negotiations and court proceedings. We strive for favourable settlements outside of court whenever possible but can represent you in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia if needed.
- As part of a full-service firm, we handle every aspect of your case, including estate planning and property matters. After an initial consultation, we offer personalised advice on financial and parenting issues, outlining your options and suggested next steps.
- Panetta Family Lawyers can assist you in your family law matters relating to:
- Divorce and Separation
- Property Settlements and Financial Agreements
- Preparing “out of court” private financial agreement or “prenuptial” agreements to preserve assets in the event of a separation
- Parenting arrangements for children
- Parenting Plans and Consent Orders
- De facto and same sex relationships
- Child Support and Binding Child Support Agreements
- Wills following divorce and separation
- Representation in Court proceedings should a negotiated settlement not be possible
Contact us to arrange an appointment and let Panetta Family Lawyers help you move forward.
Wills, Estate Planning & Estate Administration
Planning for the future is essential, particularly when it comes to ensuring your estate is properly managed and your intentions are clearly documented. At Panetta Family Lawyers, we offer comprehensive legal guidance on all aspects of estate planning, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Enduring Guardianship. Our expertise ensures that the distribution of your assets aligns with your wishes, addresses your family's requirements, and meets all financial obligations.
We assist clients in planning, managing, and safeguarding their assets both during their lifetime and after death. Establishing appropriate decision-making frameworks provides peace of mind, knowing that a trusted individual will act on your behalf should you be unable to do so.
If you require assistance with any of the following matters, please contact us:
- Drafting or updating your will.
- Preparing enduring powers of attorney to appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable or unavailable to do so.
- Preparing enduring guardianships, which authorize a designated person to make decisions regarding your medical care and lifestyle choices should you lose decision-making capacity.
Wills
A will enables you to specify the exact distribution of your estate and assets, ensuring that they are allocated according to your preferences. This document also allows you to designate a legal guardian for dependent children, selecting an individual who possesses the emotional and financial ability to assume this responsibility. It is recommended that every adult considers preparing a will.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will
In the absence of a will, assets are distributed according to statutory guidelines, which may not reflect your intentions. Administration costs can rise, and distributions may not align with your wishes. Please note, existing wills are automatically revoked upon marriage or divorce unless made in contemplation of these events. To ensure your estate planning remains effective, it is advisable to create a new will following significant life changes.
Panetta Family Lawyers is available to assist in preparing or revising your will, working closely with you to ensure your current circumstances and preferences are reflected accurately. Statistics indicate that nearly half of Australians pass away without a will (‘intestate’). Avoid unnecessary complications—prepare your will today.
Panetta Family Lawyers is available to assist in preparing or revising your will, working closely with you to ensure your current circumstances and preferences are reflected accurately. Statistics indicate that nearly half of Australians pass away without a will (‘intestate’). Avoid unnecessary complications—prepare your will today.
Estate Administration/Probate
Following the death of a family member or loved one, our firm provides professional support to manage the administration of their estate efficiently and respectfully. Our services include:
- Making applications to the Supreme Court for the grant of Probate or Letters of Administration where required.
- Ensuring Trustees understand and meet their legal obligations.
- Advising executors on potential claims against estates.
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries as stipulated in the will, including asset liquidation when necessary.
- Managing payment of outstanding expenses such as funeral costs.
- Administering life tenancies or trusts established by the will.
- Assisting with completion of tax returns for the estate and addressing any legal issues that arise during administration.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced estate planning lawyer.