Estate Planning Lawyers in Melbourne
Protect your legacy and secure your family’s future with thoughtful legal planning
Wills, testamentary trusts & tax-effective strategies.
MST Lawyers provides estate planning advice in Melbourne, including testamentary trusts, tax-effective estate structuring, superannuation death benefit nominations, business succession planning, and Powers of Attorney. Our estate planning team is led by Andrea Olsson, an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates.
A testamentary trust is a trust created within a Will that takes effect after death. It can protect assets from creditors, relationship breakdowns, and irresponsible spending — and provides significant tax advantages for income distributed to beneficiaries, including children.
Our Estate Planning Services
We offer expert assistance across a range of areas:
What is a testamentary trust and how does it protect your estate?
A testamentary trust is a discretionary trust established by the terms of a Will that comes into operation on the death of the testator. Unlike a standard bequest, a testamentary trust allows the trustee to manage and distribute assets to beneficiaries over time — protecting the estate from creditor claims, relationship breakdowns, bankruptcy, and irresponsible spending.
Whether you want to provide for children, individuals with disabilities, or financially vulnerable loved ones, testamentary trusts can help protect assets from creditors, bankruptcy, relationship breakdowns or irresponsible spending. MST Lawyers designs tailored trust structures to meet your goals—ensuring flexibility, control, and peace of mind.
Tax-Effective Estate Structuring
Without careful planning, your estate may face unnecessary tax liabilities that reduce what’s passed on to your beneficiaries. Our estate planning team works closely with accountants and financial planners to structure your estate to minimise tax on superannuation and capital gains.
Planning for Complex and Blended Family Situations
Today’s families are diverse and often complex. Second marriages, stepchildren, estranged relatives or caregiving arrangements can all raise unique challenges. Our lawyers offer empathetic, solutions-focused advice to help you navigate sensitive family dynamics and create plans that reflect your intentions—while reducing the likelihood of disputes or claims on your estate.
Business and Succession Planning Integration
If you’re a business owner, your estate plan should address what happens to your business interests. MST Lawyers can integrate business succession strategies into your estate plan to ensure continuity, protect value, and manage transitions smoothly—whether through family succession, business partner buy-outs, or sale planning.
Superannuation and Death Benefit Nominations
Superannuation does not automatically form part of your estate. Our team helps you understand binding death benefit nominations and how to manage your super to ensure it goes to the right people in a tax-effective way. We can also advise on SMSFs and how to align them with your broader estate plan.
Asset Protection Strategies
In addition to distributing your estate, we help protect it. From shielding assets from potential litigation to considering bankruptcy or Centrelink implications, our estate planning services are designed to ensure your wealth is protected now and into the future.
Advance Care and Lifestyle Planning
Estate planning is not only about what happens after death. We guide you in preparing for unforeseen life events, such as loss of capacity, through the use of Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Makers. This ensures your voice is heard and your preferences respected if you can no longer make decisions yourself.
Meet Your Estate Planning Lawyers
The Wills and Estate Planning Legal Team
When you partner with MST Lawyers, you gain a team dedicated to your success. With deep multi-disciplinary expertise, personal service, local Melbourne knowledge, and a proven track record of delivering results, we’re trusted to provide responsive, professional, and effective legal support.
What we're known for
Why Choose MST Lawyers?
- Led by Andrea Olsson (AccS), an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates — the LIV’s highest certification.
- We advise on complex estate structures: testamentary trusts, SMSFs, blended families, business succession, and international assets.
- Multilingual team — Chinese and Greek-speaking lawyers for Melbourne’s diverse communities.
- Named in the 2025 Best Law Firms list.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Estate Planning Lawyers
Take control of your future today. Book a consultation with Wills and Estates Lawyers and let our experienced team guide you through the estate planning process with empathy, clarity and expertise.
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News and insights on Wills and Estates Law
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning?
Estate planning involves organising your legal and financial affairs to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are protected after your death.
What’s the difference between a Will and an estate plan?
A Will is one part of an estate plan. An estate plan may also include powers of attorney, testamentary trusts, tax strategies, and planning for business succession or family complexities.
Do I need estate planning if I don’t have many assets?
Yes. Even if you have modest assets, estate planning ensures clarity around your wishes, helps avoid family conflict, and protects those who rely on you.
How often should I review my estate plan?
It’s best to review your plan after major life events—like marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring significant assets—or every 3–5 years.
Can I include a testamentary trust in my Will?
Yes. A testamentary trust is created within your Will and can offer flexibility and protection for your beneficiaries. Our lawyers will advise if it’s suitable for your situation.
Who should consider a testamentary trust?
A testamentary trust is worth considering if you have beneficiaries who are minors, financially vulnerable, or at risk of relationship breakdown; if your estate includes a business or investment assets; or if you want to provide long-term asset protection and tax advantages. MST Lawyers can advise on whether a testamentary trust is suitable for your circumstances.
What is a binding death benefit nomination for superannuation?
A binding death benefit nomination is a legal instruction to your superannuation fund specifying who should receive your superannuation on your death. Unlike a non-binding nomination, a valid binding nomination obligates the trustee to pay the benefit to the nominated person. Nominations must be reviewed regularly — many lapse after three years.
We offer compassionate wills and estates services, ensuring your assets, wishes, and loved ones are legally protected with clarity and confidence: