Complex Wills Lawyers | Penrith | ALA Law Solicitors
Thoughtful planning for blended families, businesses and complex estates.
Not every Wills and Estates matter is straightforward. Families today often face complex estate planning needs that require careful legal drafting and foresight. At ALA Law, our Wills and Estates lawyers provide extremely professional, plain English advice and professional service, helping clients across Penrith, Sydney and New South Wales protect their estate assets, prepare valid wills, and reduce the risk of estate disputes.
Reviewed by Jacinta Watkins, Partner – Estate Planning and Deceased Estates. Last updated November 2026.
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When is a Will Considered Complex?
Estate planning is complicated especially including situations where personal and financial circumstances require more detailed drafting and legal process.
For example, if you:
- Have a blended family arrangement with children from different relationships.
- Own a business, act as an attorney, or hold property, investments or other assets that form part of a complex estate.
- Hold property in different states or overseas.
- Have beneficiaries with special needs or financial affairs requiring ongoing support.
- Anticipate conflict between family members over your estate.
- Wish to exclude a person from your Will.
Why a Complex Will Matters
A poorly prepared Will is unclear and can create significant issues for the deceased person’s estate and those left behind. If there are unresolved issues this could potentially:
- Trigger family provision claims and disputed estates.
- Lead to costly Supreme Court proceedings and court involvement.
- Complicate probate, letters of administration, and overall estate administration.
- Damage family relationships.
Not sure if your Will is complex?
Talk to our Wills & Estates team about your family, business and property circumstances.
Common Situations Requiring Complex Wills
Certain individual circumstances require more comprehensive estate plans and careful preparation to ensure your wishes are carried out in your best interests.
- Providing for a second spouse while protecting children from a first marriage.
- Ensuring business ownership and financial interests are dealt with appropriately after death.
- Distributing assets in a way that reduces tax and avoids future disputes.
- Using testamentary trusts or special disability trusts to support vulnerable beneficiaries.
Our Approach
Our Approach
At ALA Law, our estate planning lawyers assist clients through the entire process, from initially providing advice to finalising complex wills.
We draft complex Wills that:
- Anticipate and reduce estate disputes
- Protect family members, including children from previous relationships
- Clarify business ownership, property interests and investment assets
- Support executors when administering estates
Our whole team takes a balanced and thoughtful approach to estate matters, ensuring clarity, fairness and confidence for clients and beneficiaries alike.
Jacinta Watkins
Partner – Estate Planning and Deceased Estates
Jacinta and our Wills & Estates team help families and business owners put clear, carefully drafted estate plans in place.
Complex Wills – frequently asked questions
Can’t see your question here? Our Wills & Estates team is happy to talk it through.
What makes a Will “complex”?
Many factors can make a Will complex, including multiple properties, probate considerations, blended families, businesses, superannuation funds or overseas assets, all of which can complicate estate law and administration. Family dynamics, beneficiary expectations and personal circumstances can further increase complexity.
Can a DIY Will cover a complex estate?
No. DIY Wills regularly fail when dealing with complex estate planning and often result in expensive estate disputes. We have acted in many matters before the Supreme Court where poorly prepared Wills caused unnecessary court proceedings. Seeking advice from experienced estate lawyers can prevent high legal costs and stress for your family.
How often should I update a complex Will?
Every three to five years, or sooner if there is a major change in your personal circumstances, such as marriage, separation, new children, changes to property, or significant changes to your estate assets.
Can I provide for my second spouse and children from my first marriage?
Yes. This can be achieved using a range of legal options, including trusts, rights of occupancy and other estate planning strategies tailored to your individual circumstances and the best interests of all beneficiaries.
Are complex Wills more likely to be challenged?
A complex estate can increase the likelihood of a challenge, particularly where there are competing interests. However, a properly prepared Will (by experienced wills and estate lawyers) significantly reduces the risk and strengthens the estate’s position, should defending estates become necessary.
What happens if I don’t have a Will?
If a deceased person dies without a Will, the law determines how their estate is handled. This often leads to unintended outcomes, delays with letters of administration, and unnecessary stress for family members during a difficult time.
Is a complex Will always the best option?
Not always. Your lawyer at ALA Law will assess your estate planning needs and determine whether a complex Will or a simpler plan is appropriate for your circumstances.
Where to from here?
If you have any questions about your existing Will or need guidance on preparing a new one, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Before your appointment, we will provide you with a form to complete and information to gather ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your appointment, and ensure we have the necessary details to provide accurate advice based on your circumstances.
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