Wills & Succession Planning IN the Northern Rivers

  • Clear legal guidance
  • Client-focused & committed
  • Established in 2008

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Northern Rivers Wills & Succession Planning

Planning for the future is one of the most valuable steps you can take to protect your family, assets and peace of mind. At McVittie Legal, we assist clients across the Northern Rivers with comprehensive wills and succession planning services. Our legal team assists in getting your wishes recorded clearly, making sure documents are legally sound and your estate or business interests are structured to minimise confusion or disputes later on. We offer support for wills, powers of attorney, guardianship appointments, testamentary trusts and succession arrangements for individuals, families and business owners.


Many people delay this process, but early planning helps secure both personal intentions and financial stability. Whether you’re updating an existing will or developing a complete succession plan, we provide guidance that is practical, respectful and aligned with current legislation.


For professional advice on wills and succession planning, call 02 6628 8677 to speak with our legal team.

Guidance for Secure Future Planning

Our wills and succession planning services are designed to provide structure, clarity and protection for every stage of life. We prepare and review essential legal documents including wills, enduring powers of attorney and appointments of enduring guardians. These documents set out who will manage your affairs and how assets will be distributed, ensuring your instructions are carried out properly. We also assist in selecting and preparing executors, trustees or guardians, helping clients understand the responsibilities and implications of these roles.


For more complex family or financial situations, we provide advice on testamentary trusts, asset structuring, superannuation and jointly owned property. For business owners, we help develop continuity plans and succession strategies to support smooth transitions and operational stability. Where appropriate, we collaborate with accountants or financial advisers to ensure all legal, tax and financial aspects are aligned.


Our goal is to make the process clear, efficient and tailored to your circumstances. With proper planning, you can reduce uncertainty, protect your loved ones and maintain control over how your estate or business is managed in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is succession planning and why is it important?

    Succession planning is the legal and strategic process of organising how a person’s assets, responsibilities or business interests will be transferred after death or incapacity. It helps ensure that key roles are filled, dependants are cared for and personal or business affairs continue smoothly. Without a proper plan, families and organisations may face disputes, financial hardship or legal delays. Succession planning also provides clarity for executors, attorneys and beneficiaries by outlining specific instructions and reducing uncertainty.

  • What is the difference between a power of attorney and a will?

    Succession planning is valuable for anyone who has dependants, owns significant assets or is involved in a family business. This includes parents, professionals, property owners and company directors. Planning ahead allows individuals to protect their estate, provide for loved ones and prevent legal issues that can arise when no clear instructions exist. Business owners in particular benefit from planning for the continuity of operations and leadership in the event of sudden illness or death.

  • What happens if someone dies without a will?

    If a person dies without a will, they are said to have died intestate. In this case, state laws determine how their assets are distributed, usually starting with the closest living relatives. The court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate, and there may be delays or disputes among family members. Dying without a will can also create problems for de facto partners or stepchildren who may not be automatically recognised under intestacy rules.