Compassion,
when you need it most.
Peaceful
RESOLUTIONS
to estate disputes
Family members and I are disagreeing over an estate.
I would like to resolve things as calmly and cost effectively as possible.
Efficient
ESTATE
Administration
What do I do now?
If you’re involved in a Queensland estate dispute or have a complex estate administration to finalise, we’re here to help.
We exist to ensure that families who are experiencing deep grief following the loss of a loved one, can have the process of finalising their estate made calmer and simpler, so they don’t have to experience further distress.
Contested Estates
We help with:
- Initiating a challenge to an estate
- Defending a challenge made by others
- Making a claim for further provision
- Challenging superannuation
Estate Administration
We help with:
- Application for a grant (probate or letters of administration)
- Complex grants for suspicious or informal wills
- Complete administration services
Mediation
Guiding estate disputes to resolution without going to court has been my passion for over 20 years.
During this time I have seen so many clients resolve their conflict allowing them to move forward with their lives. As a nationally accredited mediator and collaborative practitioner I understand that successful resolution of these disputes is far more than winning a legal argument, it is about finding solutions that meet deeper human needs and values. I have the skills to help bring certainty to those who find themselves in conflict through a mediation process.
My friends don’t believe a Solicitor could have such a kind heart, thanks for proving them wrong…
Thank you so very much for everything you have done for me over a relatively short time. You must have worked with a wonderful, caring attitude and great commitment. Your beautiful personality and dedication to your career were always evident and I sincerely offer my thanks for your hard work and your kindness to me during a stressful time.”
— A.L, Brisbane
Introducing my new book:
Rest in Peace: How to manage an estate dispute without inheriting heartache.
Are you facing an inheritance war following the loss of your loved one? We have all heard the horror stories of epic legal battles that follow the death of a family member. No one really wins. Legal costs decimate hard-earned inheritances, and family relationships are destroyed forever.
Ready to learn how to navigate your family’s estate contest in a healthy way that can prevent an all-out family war?
How we’re different
Compassionate & supportive legal advice
Estate Law specialists helping you navigate your estate as calmly & efficiently as possible
Holistic support to help you manage the legal fallout after the loss of a loved one.
Managing an estate without inheriting heartache.
Have the financial and emotional freedom to get on with living your life.
Latest from the blog
The Art of Negotiation – Finding common ground
Regardless of the type of estate dispute you find yourself involved in, whichever legal resolution process you end up choosing (or whichever...
The Art of Negotiation – what not to do if you want to stay out of court
Have you ever watched a child ‘negotiate’ with their parents? The child takes a position on what they want, and then they begin…
Making a claim for further provision – one way to contest an estate
The most common form of contesting a will or estate is a claim for further provision, which is usually made by a family member close to the...
Contesting a suspicious will for lack of capacity or undue influence
As our Australian population ages, more of our elderly are faced with managing their longevity while losing their mental capacities due to...
What is a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration – and is it needed?
It is a common misunderstanding that a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is necessary in every estate. By not pausing to get advice...
What to do when someone dies – emergency steps
Knowing what to do when someone dies can be overwhelming. This blog is designed to help you work out what needs to be done first and what steps...
Hi, I’m Zinta Harris,
Founder and Principal of Resolve Estate Law. Accredited Specialist Business Law (Qld)
Accredited Specialist Succession Law (Qld). TEP Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
My very first case was a bitter estate battle that ended in court. I saw first-hand how fighting over money completely destroyed a family and left a hard earned inheritance in tatters after paying huge legal bills. That galled me and it galled my client, and it set me on a path to find a better way to help grieving families deal with the fallout after the loss of a loved one.
In the two decades since, I have helped steer dozens of complex and bitter estate battles to resolution without going to court. But in many cases, settlements were reached at a late stage in the process when the damage had already been done, financially and relationally. My frustration with late-stage court required mediations left me feeling as though there must be a better way – since it all seemed too little, too late. This inspired me to promote a more compassionate, creative and collaborative approach.
For Lawyers
Over the next two decades, we will see the biggest wealth transfer from generation to generation in Australian history. Combined with an increase in estate disputes by 50% over the last decade, it’s more important than ever that as lawyers, we promote a calmer, less aggressive approach.
If you became a lawyer to make a difference in people’s lives but have been feeling increasingly jaded by your experiences — seeing families completely implode to an irreparable state and hard earned money being wasted on unnecessary legal fees, then learning how to practice in a collaborative framework supporting families at an early stage without going to court is for you. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for families.
How can we help you?
Peaceful resolutions to estate disputes
Learn my top 10 tips to keep your family’s estate dispute out of court.
I am named Executor – now what?
Discover your role and responsibilities and the first three steps you need to take.
I Can’t Find a Will – Now What?
Tips on where to look, what to look for and what steps need to be taken if you can’t find a will.
