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Contested Wills & Estate Disputes – Gold Coast Legal Experts

At Robbins Watson Solicitors, we understand that disputes over a loved one’s estate can be both emotionally and legally complex. Whether you’re contesting a will, defending an estate, or involved in a related estate dispute, our experienced team offers compassionate, strategic legal guidance throughout the process.

When Can a Will Be Contested?

In Queensland, there are several grounds to challenge a will:

  • Inadequate Provision – If you’ve been left out of a will or feel the provision made for you is unfair, you may be eligible to make a family provision claim.
  • Lack of Testamentary Capacity – A will may be challenged if the deceased lacked mental capacity at the time it was made.
  • Undue Influence or Fraud – Suspicions of manipulation, coercion, or fraudulent conduct can form the basis for a challenge.
  • Improper Execution – If the will was not executed in accordance with legal requirements, its validity may be questioned.

We can assess your circumstances and advise whether you have a legal basis to contest or defend a will.

Our Estate Dispute Services

We provide expert legal services across the full range of contested wills and estate matters:

  • Family Provision Claims – For eligible individuals who believe they have not received their fair entitlement.
  • Challenges to Will Validity – Including undue influence, lack of capacity, and improper execution.
  • Defending Executors and Administrators – Helping estate representatives navigate disputes and fulfil their duties.
  • Mediation and Negotiated Resolutions – Striving to resolve conflicts cost-effectively and with minimal court involvement.
  • Litigation and Court Representation – When needed, we act decisively to protect your rights through formal legal proceedings.

Other Estate Disputes We Handle

Contested wills are only part of the broader estate dispute landscape. We also act in a wide range of complex and sensitive matters, including:

  • Executor Removal Applications – When executors neglect their duties, act improperly, or are in conflict with beneficiaries, we can seek their removal and replacement.
  • Construction and Rectification of Wills – If a will contains unclear terms or drafting mistakes, we can apply to the court to interpret or correct the document.
  • Estate Accounting and Mismanagement – Beneficiaries are entitled to transparency. We help request formal accounts or take legal action in cases of mismanagement or neglect.
  • Power of Attorney Disputes & Compensation Claims – Including actions involving conflict transactions, unauthorised gifting, or financial elder abuse. We pursue compensation where loss has occurred.
  • Superannuation & Life Insurance Disputes – These often fall outside the estate but can still be contested. We assist clients in challenging or defending decisions regarding who should receive these benefits.

Why Choose Robbins Watson?

  • Trusted Since 1958 – Serving the Gold Coast community for over 60 years with integrity and expertise.
  • Award-Winning Team – Regularly recognised in Doyle’s Guide as one of Queensland’s leading firms in both Wills & Estates Litigation and Succession Planning.
  • Specialist Knowledge – Our accredited specialist in Succession Law brings deep expertise to even the most complex matters.

Get the Right Advice, Right Now

If you are facing an estate dispute or believe you have grounds to contest or defend a will, contact Robbins Watson today. We’ll guide you through your options with clarity and care.

Contact us today to get started:

  • Call us on 07 5576 9999
  • Book an appointment online by clicking here
  • Fill out our online enquiry form by clicking here

Alternatively, you get started online now by clicking here or on the banner below. 

Why choose Robbins Watson Solicitors?

Discover what makes us different.

Experience you can count on

With over 60 years in business, we position our clients and their businesses with the best advice to enable them to prosper.

We’re committed to you

We recognise your needs, assess specific priorities and objectives and develop strategies to meet them.

Enduring relationships

We generously invest time and expertise to understand our clients and build beneficial long-term relationships.

Efficient teams

We embrace technology to ensure our clients outcomes are delivered quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

What our clients have to say

As first home buyers Emma from Robbins Watson made the experience stress free. With her professional service and excellent knowledge of industry. Couldn't recommend her more. Thank you!

Kimberley G

Very pleased with this firm and the outcome we received. Highly recommend Robbins Watson for any Family Law matters.

Cate B

Sean and his team have always been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Couldn’t recommend Robbins Watson Solicitors more!

B.M.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Alexandra Coyle, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the outset, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of the legal issues involved which was very reassuring. I felt well-informed throughout the process, and she worked tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome for me. I’m glad I reached out to this firm. Thank you for making a challenging situation so manageable. I highly recommend Alexandra for anyone seeking reliable and empathetic legal assistance.

Justyna B

I was so pleased with Bell’s work. I found her easy to get along with, explain things clearly and make the whole process calm. I would recommend her to anyone going through an estate dispute.

Taylah C

Marcus, thank you again for your support throughout the settlement process, we very much appreciate your professionalism, advice and communication from start to finish! We would be happy to recommend Robbins Watson to our family and friends.

Angela

Good morning – just wanted to send a quick email off and let you know how impressed (my wife and myself) have been with Emma – We have bought a couple of properties up there over the last year or two – we’re from Wagga Wagga, NSW and are relocating up there at the end of this year. Emma has been absolutely fantastic to deal with and we couldn’t be happier!!! It makes things really easy when you have someone on the ball like she is – so yeah, just a quick ‘Well done’ – thanks so much, we really appreciate it and keep up the good work!

Jarrod

Thank you again for your services, I cannot fault you and your team. You are always such a pleasure to deal with and make what would normally be a stressful time, quite the opposite.

Emma (& Helen)

Please extend my warmest thanks to All that have assisted me. You all have made the process of dealing with Wills, selling property, and soon with my own Will and things. Robbins Watson have exceeded my expectations in ability, personal interactions, pleasant meetings; in short, you are my Solicitors of choice, and I say so to any and all.

George

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+61 7 5576 9999