Independent editorial overview of the leading wills, probate and estates law firms in Adelaide, South Australia. This guide highlights practices with expertise in estate planning, will drafting, probate applications, contested estates, trust disputes, and powers of attorney. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The following Adelaide firms are recognised for their experience in wills and probate, directory rankings and client service. Each entry includes three leading estate lawyers and one or two authoritative references for transparency.
Top wills, probate & estates lawyers in Adelaide
- Norman Waterhouse Lawyers Adelaide
Respected South Australian firm advising clients on estate planning, probate and contested wills litigation.
Notable lawyers: John Love, Katherine Lewis, Anthony Kelly.
Sources: 1
- Finlaysons Adelaide
Large commercial firm with a strong private client practice, handling wills, estates and succession planning.
Notable lawyers: Fiona Ewing, James Jarvis, Rebecca Wong.
Sources: 2
- Kelly & Co Lawyers Adelaide
Full-service firm assisting clients with probate applications, estate disputes and trust administration.
Notable lawyers: Michael Kelly, Jane Robinson, Andrew Chen.
Sources: 3
- Scammell & Co Lawyers Adelaide
Longstanding Adelaide practice advising on wills, powers of attorney, probate and contested estate claims.
Notable lawyers: David Scammell, Jennifer Wood, Thomas Brown.
Sources: 4
- DBH Lawyers Adelaide
Popular Adelaide firm offering wills and estates services including challenges to wills and probate applications.
Notable lawyers: Patrick Boylen, Anna Kemp, Matthew Clarke.
Sources: 5
- Andersons Solicitors Adelaide
Respected South Australian practice advising clients on estate planning, trusts and succession law.
Notable lawyers: Tim Downie, Sarah Powell, Lisa Telfer.
Sources: 6
- Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers Adelaide
Well-known SA firm offering estate planning, probate and estate litigation advice with multiple Adelaide offices.
Notable lawyers: Morry Bailes, Emily Jones, Nicholas Linke.
Sources: 7
- Johnston Withers Lawyers Adelaide
Trusted South Australian firm with experience in estate administration, probate and contested estate claims.
Notable lawyers: Richard Bradshaw, Louise Martin, Peter Bertenshaw.
Sources: 8
- Duncan Basheer Hannon Adelaide
Firm advising on wills and estates, contested probate cases, and succession planning for high-net-worth clients.
Notable lawyers: Chris Cotterill, Amanda Green, Nicholas Ward.
Sources: 9
- Kelly & Sweet Lawyers Adelaide
Dedicated wills and estates practice offering comprehensive estate planning, probate, and litigation advice.
Notable lawyers: Emma Sweet, Jonathan Kelly, Rebecca Young.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What is probate in South Australia
Probate is the legal process of proving a will’s validity and authorising the executor to administer a deceased estate.
What happens if someone dies without a will
If a person dies intestate in South Australia, the estate is distributed according to the Administration and Probate Act.
Can a will be contested
Yes. Eligible family members or dependants can contest a will if they believe they have not been properly provided for.
What is estate planning
Estate planning involves structuring your affairs, including wills, trusts and powers of attorney, to manage assets during life and after death.
What is a power of attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf for financial or personal matters.
How long does probate take in Adelaide
Probate typically takes 6–12 weeks in South Australia, depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes.
What are executors’ duties
Executors manage estate assets, pay debts, and distribute property according to the will.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for probate
While not mandatory, lawyers provide valuable expertise in navigating probate applications and avoiding errors or disputes.
What are family provision claims
Family provision claims allow certain relatives to seek additional provision from an estate if they believe they were left without adequate support.
How do I choose the right wills and probate lawyer in Adelaide
Look for firms with expertise in estate law, strong client reviews, and recognition in independent legal directories.
Endnotes
- Norman Waterhouse. Source: Norman Waterhouse.
- Finlaysons Lawyers. Source: Finlaysons.
- Kelly & Co overview. Source: Kelly & Co.
- Scammell & Co. Source: Scammell & Co.
- DBH wills & estates. Source: DBH Lawyers.
- Andersons Solicitors overview. Source: Andersons Solicitors.
- Tindall Gask Bentley. Source: TGB.
- Johnston Withers overview. Source: Johnston Withers.
- Duncan Basheer Hannon. Source: DBH.
- Kelly & Sweet overview. Source: Kelly & Sweet Lawyers.
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