How an Estate Litigation Lawyer Can Help Resolve Disputes
When a loved one passes away, the last thing families want is conflict. But estate disputes are common in Queensland—and they don’t always have to end up in court.
This is where an estate litigation lawyer can make all the difference. With the right legal guidance early on, many matters can be resolved quickly, fairly, and with far less stress. Here’s how they help, and why you don’t need to fear the worst.
At Direct Lawyers, you’ll have the support of Dion McCurdy and Liam Ellery, dedicated wills and estate lawyers who can guide you through disputes with practical advice and compassionate representation. Together, they’ve helped countless Queensland families resolve disputes with clarity, fairness, and compassion.
If you’re facing uncertainty, now is the time to book a free 10 discovery call and speak directly with our team.
What Does an Estate Litigation Lawyer Do?
An estate litigation lawyer focuses on resolving disputes over wills, estates, trusts, and inheritances. They help clients understand their rights, challenge or defend wills, and navigate complex family provision claims. These disputes can arise from concerns about undue influence, testamentary capacity, or unfair treatment of spouses, children, or other family members.
At Direct Lawyers, we work with:
Adult children left out of wills
Executors unsure of their legal duties
Family members facing will dispute resolution
Spouses and de facto partners needing clarity about their entitlements
Our lawyers work within the broader context of estate law, and are familiar with how estate matters intersect with family law issues—particularly when blended families or informal relationships are involved.
You can read more about common triggers in our blog: Why Are Wills Contested in Queensland?
Mediation vs Court Proceedings
Court proceedings are sometimes necessary—but they’re not the only way to resolve a dispute. Most estate litigation matters settle before they ever reach a courtroom.
Mediation is a structured, confidential process where both parties come together (often with their lawyers) to reach a mutual agreement. A neutral third party facilitates the process, helping everyone focus on solutions instead of blame.
Benefits of mediation include:
Faster resolution compared to court
Significantly reduced legal costs
Less emotional stress for all involved
More control over how assets are distributed
Direct Lawyers has helped many Queensland families resolve disputes through mediation, without dragging it through the court system. For example, in one matter involving an excluded adult child, our early involvement led to a confidential settlement within six weeks—saving the family both legal fees and emotional strain.
Mediation allows family members to express their concerns in a safe, supported setting, reducing the risk of long-term damage to relationships.
If you’re wondering whether your situation qualifies, read What Happens When You Contest a Will in Queensland?
Benefits of Early Legal Advice
One of the most effective ways to avoid court drama is to seek legal advice as soon as a dispute arises. The earlier you act, the more options you have—and the more you may save.
Why early legal advice matters:
Your lawyer can assess the strength of your case before emotions escalate
Important deadlines (like for family provision claims) won’t be missed
Your lawyer can open communication with other parties before positions harden
Estate litigation often involves complicated estates matters—such as hidden assets, unusual amendments to the will, or disputes between stepchildren and biological relatives. In these cases, professional support is essential.
Early guidance also helps you avoid unintentional mistakes—like signing away your rights, failing to file a family provision application in time, or relying on informal verbal agreements.
Check out: Family Provision Claims Explained: Do You Have a Right to More?
Cost Transparency and Fixed Fees
Many people hesitate to speak to a lawyer because they fear the cost. At Direct Lawyers, we make this part easier too.
We offer:
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Fixed-fee options for certain matters
Honest advice about likely legal costs upfront
You’ll always know where you stand. We’ll never pressure you into litigation that isn’t in your best interest.
Our mobile legal service also means we can meet you at your home, workplace, or a quiet local cafe—whether you're based in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or anywhere across South East Queensland.
When to Seek Help from an Estate Litigation Lawyer
You should reach out for legal advice if:
You’ve been left out of a will and believe it’s unfair
You suspect someone pressured the deceased to change their will
You’re unsure if a will is valid or legally binding
You're acting as executor and a dispute has arisen
You’re a carer or stepchild and wondering about your legal standing
The truth is, estate disputes don’t just affect large estates or wealthy families. They affect everyday Queenslanders. Often, it’s about fairness, recognition, and preventing long-term family breakdown.
As Principal Lawyer Dion McCurdy explains, “We approach each matter strategically and with care—because these are real families, not just files.”
Working alongside Dion, Liam Ellery, Estate Litigation Lawyer, brings practical insight and a calm, problem-solving mindset that clients appreciate.
Together, they bring extensive experience in estate litigation, estate planning, and dispute resolution, ensuring each client is supported with legal insight and compassion.
A Queensland Law Firm You Can Trust
At Direct Lawyers, we specialise in wills and estate matters—and only estate matters. It’s what we do every day.
Clients trust us because:
We’ve helped hundreds of families across Queensland
We offer mobile, flexible appointments that fit your schedule
We listen first and act with your goals in mind
We’re not just estate lawyers — we’re trusted litigation lawyers with experience across all stages of contested estate matters, including mediation, negotiation, and when necessary, court representation.
If you’re facing a will dispute or need help with will dispute resolution, you can speak directly with our experienced estate litigation lawyers today.
Call us on (07) 3703 1888 or book a consultation to get clear advice on your next steps.
For more legal information or to check a lawyer’s credentials, visit theQueensland Law Society.
