Estate Litigation Lawyers Melbourne
Aptum runs substantial estate, trust and succession disputes in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Family provision claims, will validity challenges, trustee and executor disputes, from Suite 7.01, Level 7, 419 Flinders Lane.
Estate litigation in Melbourne
Aptum's Melbourne estates practice acts in contested estates where the assets are substantial: family provision claims, will validity challenges, executor and trustee disputes, and complex family trust matters. Our estates services page has the full catalogue.
In Victoria, a family provision claim must generally be brought within 6 months of the grant of probate or letters of administration. The window is short and building a proper claim takes time, so early advice matters.
Estates litigation practice areas
Family Provision Claims
bringing and defending claims on substantial estates
Learn moreChallenging the Validity of a Will
capacity, undue influence, fraud, improper execution
Learn moreExecutor and Trustee Disputes
removal applications, breach of duty, deadlock
Learn moreProbate and Administration Disputes
contested probate, caveats, administration disputes
Learn moreBeneficiary Disputes
enforcing beneficiary rights and entitlements
Learn moreComplex Trust and Estate Asset Disputes
family trusts, business assets, farming property
Learn moreSuperannuation Death Benefit Disputes
death benefit claims and trustee decisions
Learn morePowers of Attorney Disputes
misuse of powers, recovery of assets
Learn moreElder Abuse
financial abuse claims and asset recovery
Learn moreMelbourne courts where Aptum appears
Aptum's Melbourne estates team appears regularly in:
- Supreme Court of Victoria. family provision claims under the Administration and Probate Act 1958, contested probate, will validity challenges, and executor and trustee disputes
- Federal Court of Australia, Melbourne Registry. superannuation death benefit matters and cross-jurisdictional trust disputes where the forum requires it
What Aptum brings to Melbourne estate matters
Nigel Evans
Nigel Evans, Aptum's Managing Director and Co-Founder, leads Aptum's estates litigation practice. Before founding Aptum, Nigel spent 11 years at the commercial Victorian Bar. He is listed in Best Lawyers in Australia for Commercial Litigation (2026) and recognised by Doyle's Guide as a Leading Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Lawyer.
David Adason
Nigel is supported by David Adason, Aptum's Associate Director. David has practised commercial litigation exclusively across his career, including a period as Associate to a Justice of the Federal Court of Australia. Doyle's Guide has recognised David as a Rising Star in Commercial Litigation and Insolvency Law.
How Aptum runs a matter
Value conversation
A free, no-obligation first meeting where you set out the matter and Aptum tells you whether the claim is realistic on your facts, what the time limits are, and what the pathway looks like.
Pathways assessment
A costed engagement plan with stage-based budgets and a documented strategy aligned to the stages of your matter.
Execution
We run the matter. Pleadings, evidence, interlocutory steps, mediation, and hearing where the matter does not resolve. Regular reporting and a relentless focus on the essential.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the time limit for a family provision claim in Victoria?
Generally 6 months from the grant of probate or letters of administration. The Supreme Court of Victoria can extend time in limited circumstances, but only while the estate remains undistributed, so early advice matters.
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What estate disputes does Aptum run from Melbourne?
Family provision claims, will validity challenges, executor and trustee disputes, probate and administration disputes, beneficiary disputes, complex trust and estate asset matters, superannuation death benefits, powers of attorney disputes and elder abuse claims.
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Does Aptum act for executors as well as claimants?
Yes. Aptum acts on both sides of estate litigation, for claimants seeking provision and for executors and trustees defending claims and managing the estate through the dispute.
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How do I start with Aptum on an estate dispute?
Book a value conversation. It is a free, no-obligation first meeting where you set out the matter and Aptum tells you whether the claim is realistic on your facts, what the time limits are, and what the pathway looks like.
Aptum Legal Melbourne
Suite 7.01, Level 7, 419 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 7020 9230