Areas of Law
Hamilton Legal – Wills
A will is one of the most important documents that you can prepare. It is the only way that you can be sure that the assets that you have worked for, accumulated and inherited will be distributed according to your wishes.
Should you die without making a will, the situation is referred to as being intestate and in such a case a court appointed executor will determine the distribution of your estate. Very probably, the resultant distribution of your estate will not be as you desired and also the execution of probate will take longer and probably be more expensive. Wills can be complex documents and should be prepared by an experienced solicitor. Otherwise unintended claims may arise against the estate.
We do of course offer pensioner discount.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document empowering one or more people to make decisions on your behalf regarding your finances. It enables you to choose a trustworthy person or persons to make financial decisions on your behalf should you become mentally or physically incapacitated or otherwise be unable to make your own decisions.
Advanced Care Directive
In the event that you are unable to make decisions regarding your health care, welfare or life-style, having an Advanced Care Directive in place allows you to choose a person or persons whom you trust to make those decisions for you. Life can be uncertain and this can be a wise precaution to take and in certain circumstances and essential one. Advanced Care Directives were previously known as Enduring Power of Guardianships.
Family Law
The breakdown of relationships is emotionally a very stressful time made more so when children and financial matters are involved. We have many years of experience in resolving relationship breakdowns and divorces involving complex asset distributions and children’s’ issues. We believe in resolving matters without going to trial as this is the simplest and definitely the least expensive approach. This is not always possible in which case we will pursue the matter assertively in court.
At all times you will be advised of all possible options and all courses of action will be explained clearly.
Your first interview is free of charge.
Our expertise includes;
- Property settlements
- Children’s matters
- De facto relationships
- Same sex relationships
- Mediation
- Child maintenance
- Spousal support
- The rights of grandparents
Personal Injury
Motor Vehicle Accident Should you have the misfortune to be involved in a motor vehicle accident it is quite possibly that you can be entitled to compensation. It is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible but you may still be able to claim even though some time has passed. We can advise you on your entitlements and pursue the matter on your behalf.
Your first interview is free of charge.
Public Liability & Medical Negligence
Injuries covered by Public Liability can take many forms eg. slip and fall, medical negligence and dog attack. We can advise you on what damages you may be entitled to which may include loss of wages, medical bills, loss of future earnings and pain and suffering. As always, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible but you may still be able to claim even though some time has passed.
Your first interview is free of charge.
Probate
Probate is the process by which the Supreme Court certifies that a will is valid and allows the nominated executors to distribute the assets according to the provisions of the will. The document which the court issues to this effect is called the Grant of Probate. The assets to be distributed may take many forms such as cash, property, shares, artwork, jewellery etc. The process of obtaining can be very complex and should be handled by an experienced solicitor. Hamilton Legal are very experienced in this field.
Inheritance Claims
In situations where a person may feel that they have not been adequately provided for in a will or even excluded from a will, then they may be able to lodge an inheritance claim. However, this avenue is only available to people who fall into certain categories including a spouse, child, grandchild and de facto partner. Also the claim must be made within 6 months of the Grant of Probate. Hamilton Legal are very experienced in pursuing inheritance claims in this often complex field.
