Wills Inner West

Experienced Estate Planning Solicitors Serving Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt & the Inner West

A Will is a document that determines who inherits your home, your savings, and your assets when you’re gone. Get it wrong, and your family could face a costly Supreme Court battle.

At D’Arcy Sloman Peacock Lawyers, our principals Chris Peacock and Vince D’Arcy have drafted Wills for Inner West families for over 30 years, and appeared in court when estates are contested. That dual experience means we know how Wills fail, and how to draft yours so it doesn’t.

The Real Cost of a DIY Will

It’s tempting to use a newsagency kit or a $30 online template. But when the document fails, your family pays the price. We regularly see:

Ambiguous wording: phrases that seem clear to a layperson but have different legal meanings in the Supreme Court
Superannuation not captured: without a Binding Death Benefit Nomination, super doesn’t flow through your Will at all
Invalid execution: one witness error can render the entire document void, leaving your estate distributed by government intestacy rules
No provision for blended families: children from previous relationships can be inadvertently excluded or trigger a Family Provision Claim

What’s Included in Our Wills & Estate Planning Service

Professional Will Drafting

We draft Wills tailored to your specific family and financial circumstances. This includes:

Testamentary Trusts for clients with significant assets, vulnerable beneficiaries, or blended families, offering tax advantages and protection from bankruptcy or Family Court claims
Specific advice for blended families balancing the needs of a current spouse and children from previous relationships
Coordination of your Will with your superannuation nominations and property holdings

Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial)

This document appoints a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you’re unable to — through illness, injury, or incapacity. Without it, your family may need to apply to NCAT to access your bank accounts. That process is slow, stressful, and public.

Appointment of Enduring Guardian (Medical & Lifestyle)

An Enduring Guardian makes healthcare and lifestyle decisions on your behalf, including where you live, what medical treatment you receive, and aged care decisions. We also assist with Advance Care Directives to document your end-of-life wishes.

Probate & Estate Administration

If you’ve been appointed Executor, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. We guide you through obtaining a Grant of Probate, collecting assets, settling debts, and distributing the estate. If someone has died without a Will, we handle Letters of Administration and intestacy distributions.

Speak with an estate planning solicitor today. Home visits are available for elderly clients across the Inner West.

Why Inner West Families Choose DSP Lawyers

Local & accessible: face-to-face consultations at our Balmain office, or home visits across Leichhardt, Drummoyne, Rozelle, and surrounds
Secure strongroom storage: we store your original Will so it can’t be lost, damaged, or disputed
Integrated advice: your Estate Plan is coordinated with your property, business, and family law matters
A compassionate approach: we understand these conversations are difficult, and we make the process as comfortable as possible

Secure Your Family’s Future Today

Secure your family’s future today by ensuring your legacy is protected against legal challenges and unintended tax consequences. Contact D’Arcy Sloman Peacock Lawyers to arrange a comprehensive consultation with an experienced estate planning solicitor. You may also check out our free Wills and Estates e-book. Peace of mind is just a phone call away when you have Balmain’s trusted legal team on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die without a Will?

The law applies a rigid intestacy formula that may not reflect your wishes — meaning your assets could go to people you wouldn’t have chosen. A valid Will is the only way to control who inherits.

Can I leave my superannuation in my Will?

No, superannuation sits outside your estate and won’t be distributed through your Will unless you make a Binding Death Benefit Nomination. We ensure this is properly coordinated with your estate plan.

How often should I update my Will?

Review your Will every 3 to 5 years, or immediately after major life events including marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Note: marriage automatically revokes an existing Will in NSW unless it was drafted in contemplation of that marriage.