CLARITY • DIGNITY• CONFIDENCE

Thoughtful Estate Planning. Protecting What Matters Most.

Preparing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected.

But effective estate planning involves much more than deciding who receives your assets when you die.

At Virago Law, we believe good estate planning begins with understanding you — your family, your circumstances, your assets and what matters most to you.

Whether your affairs are relatively straightforward or involve blended families, business interests, family trusts, superannuation or complex financial arrangements, we provide personalised legal advice to help you make informed decisions about your future.

Our approach is practical, considered and tailored to your individual needs.

More Than Just a Will

A Will is an essential part of an estate plan, but it is not necessarily the whole picture.

Not everything you own or control will automatically form part of your deceased estate.

Superannuation, jointly owned property, family trusts, companies and self-managed superannuation funds can all involve different legal considerations.

A carefully drafted Will may still fail to achieve your intended outcome if these arrangements have not been properly considered.

That’s why we take a holistic approach to estate planning.

We consider how your assets are owned, how they may pass on death, who may be affected by your decisions and whether additional planning strategies may be appropriate.

Our aim is not simply to prepare a document. It is to help you put a plan in place that works.

How We Can Help

Wills

We prepare Wills tailored to your individual circumstances, ensuring your intentions are clearly expressed and potential complications are considered.

This may include advice about executors, guardianship arrangements for minor children, specific gifts, beneficiaries and the distribution of your estate.

Comprehensive Estate Planning

We consider the broader picture, including your family circumstances, asset ownership, superannuation, business interests and existing legal structures.

Where appropriate, we work alongside your accountant, financial adviser or other professional advisers to help ensure your estate planning arrangements are coordinated.

Testamentary Trusts

Testamentary trusts can provide flexibility in managing inheritances and may offer benefits for asset protection, vulnerable beneficiaries and succession planning.

However, they are not suitable for every family.

We provide considered advice about whether a testamentary trust is appropriate for your circumstances, including the potential advantages, limitations and ongoing responsibilities.

Blended Families & Complex Family Circumstances

Estate planning can become particularly challenging where there are children from previous relationships, competing family interests or beneficiaries with different needs.

We help clients navigate these considerations and develop estate plans that reflect their wishes while addressing potential risks and disputes.

Reviewing & Updating Existing Wills

Life changes, and your estate plan should evolve with it.

Marriage, separation, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, changes in financial circumstances and the death of a beneficiary or executor may all warrant a review of your Will.

We can review your existing arrangements and advise whether changes are necessary.

Estate Planning Is About People

Every family has its own dynamics, relationships and challenges.

Sometimes the most important questions are not about who receives what, but about how an inheritance might affect the people receiving it.

What happens if a beneficiary experiences a relationship breakdown?

What if a child is financially vulnerable?

What if family members disagree?

What if the person you’ve appointed as executor is not the right person for the role?

These are the kinds of questions we encourage clients to consider.

By identifying potential challenges early, we can help you make informed decisions and develop an estate plan that reflects your circumstances and intentions.

Why Choose Virago Law?

At Virago Law, estate planning is a central focus of our practice.

Principal Solicitor Lisa Hughes holds a Master of Laws (Applied Law), majoring in Wills and Estates, and is a Graduate Fellow of the College of Law.

With legal experience spanning South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Lisa brings practical experience, sound professional judgement and a personal approach to her work.

We understand that discussing death, family relationships and financial arrangements can sometimes be uncomfortable.

Our role is to make the process as straightforward as possible, providing clear advice, answering your questions and helping you make decisions with confidence.

We take the time to listen because we believe the best estate plans begin with understanding the people behind them.

When Should You Review Your Estate Plan?

Your Will and estate planning arrangements should be reviewed regularly, particularly following significant changes in your personal or financial circumstances.

Even if your circumstances haven’t changed, changes in legislation or the way assets are held may affect your existing arrangements.

An estate plan prepared many years ago may no longer reflect your wishes or provide the protection you intended.

Let’s Plan for What Matters

Whether you’re preparing your first Will, reviewing an existing estate plan or navigating complex family circumstances, we’re here to help.

At Virago Law, we believe thoughtful estate planning provides clarity, protects your wishes and helps you plan for the people who matter most.