Contested Estates & Family Provision Claims Sydney - Trusted Advice
Guiding Sydney clients through contesting or defending a will and family provision claims - with clear advice and fixed-fee pricing.
- Representing you and your interests, always
- Experienced and approachable
- Quality, responsive advice
- Compassionate, careful listening
Client Reviews
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"As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."
Margi de Ferranti
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"Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."
K Smith
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"The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."
Kate Redpath
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"As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."
Margi de Ferranti
-
"Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."
K Smith
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"The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."
Kate Redpath
More reviews on Google Reviews →
Looking for contested estate advice?
When a loved one has died, finding out that the will isn't what you expected can be upsetting. Or you may be an executor facing a claim. Either way, you need clear information and someone to talk it through with.
We explain your options honestly, including the risks and the time limits. We aim to resolve disputes sensibly, and wherever possible without a lengthy court case.
Areas we can help with
Family provision claims
Challenging the validity of a will
Defending a claim as an executor or beneficiary
Mediation and settlement of estate disputes
Time limits and next steps
Collaborative Practice for Wills and Estates
Understanding contested estates
A will can be challenged on the basis that it leaves inadequate provision for a spouse, child or someone who had a close relationship with the deceased (e.g. a dependant), or in some cases a will may not be valid. These claims are often referred to as a Family Provision Claim or a Succession Law Claim. We can help you determine what you are entitled to and guide you through the uncertainty of a potential estate dispute, whichever side of it you are on.
Tailored advice for your situation
Estate disputes affect people in different ways, so we shape our advice on your personal circumstances.
Left out or under-provided for? We help you understand whether you can make a family provision claim. A partner or spouse? We advise if you think a will doesn't adequately provide for you.
An executor? We guide you through your duties and how to respond if a claim or challenge is made. You will need to respond properly and be careful about distributing assets.
A beneficiary facing a claim? We help you protect your entitlement and understand your options.
Concerned about a will's validity? We advise where you have worries about capacity or pressure.
What are the potential risks?
If you want to challenge or make a claim, you generally have 12 months from the date of death to do so, by filing an Application for a Family Provision Order, accompanied by a detailed affidavit, in the Supreme Court of NSW. There is no set amount you could receive. The court looks at your needs, your relationship with the person who died, the size of the estate and other claims, and no outcome can be promised. Many disputes are resolved by negotiation or mediation, but court may be needed.
Speak to Sydney's contested estate lawyers
Whether you are making a claim or defending one, Harriss Jones Lawyers has the experience to guide you through every stage. We offer a free consultation to gather information and advise on how to proceed.
Call us today on 02 9575 7541 or complete the enquiry form below.
Why choose Harriss Jones Lawyers
Our experienced, approachable team listens first, gives you clear, responsive advice, and acts for you and your interests at every step.
From your first conversation, we take the time to understand your situation, plan ahead and deal with everyone involved on your behalf - so your matter is shaped around you, and the right questions are asked before they become problems.
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1. Get in touch
Contact us early so we can understand your situation and goals.
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2. Review & advise
We assess the details and explain your options in plain English.
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3. Plan your next steps
We confirm the approach, timeline and fixed fee upfront.
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4. We get it done
We manage the work and keep you updated through to completion.
Meet Our Team
Two Principal Solicitors and two licensed conveyancers, focused on getting your settlement right.
Kathryn Harriss
Solicitor
Along with Melanie, we commenced our practice with the goal to provide quality legal advice and assist people to navigate through the law.
Melanie Jones
Solicitor
Harriss Jones Lawyers has been a fulfilling and exciting adventure, and it is great to see our team develop and grow.
Nicole Aghabi
Solicitor
I've recently joined Harriss Jones Lawyers that brought our practices together. We're now able to provide support focused on Surrogacy.
Sarah Murray
Licensed Conveyancer
Working at Harriss Jones Lawyers has given me a great start to my legal career and has allowed me to learn so many important skills.
Annette Suann
Licensed Conveyancer
With over 30 years experience in conveyancing, it has been great to be part of a female team where we share a common passion.
Khajinder Kaur
Senior Associate Solicitor
As a family lawyer and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, I help clients through separation, parenting, property and family violence matters. I focus on resolving disputes through negotiation wherever possible, so families can avoid the stress and cost of court.
Amelie Curley
Legal Clerk
I'm completing a double degree in Laws and Medical Science at UTS while gaining hands-on experience at Harriss Jones Lawyers. I mostly assist with Wills and estate planning matters, and I'm enjoying learning something new every day.
Nicole Thorne
Receptionist / Office Administration
With over 30 years' experience, I'm the first smiling face you'll meet when you walk into our office. I look after the firm's correspondence, safe custody records and staff diaries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about contesting a will in NSW.
Can I contest a will in NSW?
In some cases, yes. If you're an eligible person and believe the will doesn't adequately provide for you, you may be able to make a family provision claim. There are also other grounds to challenge a will.
Who can make a family provision claim?
Eligible people include a spouse, a de facto partner, a child, and some others, such as certain dependants or people in a close personal relationship with the person who died.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. Generally 12 months from the date of death. It's best to get advice as soon as you can.
How much could I receive?
There's no set amount. The court looks at your needs, your relationship with the person who died, the size of the estate and other claims. We can't promise an outcome.
What if I'm the executor and someone makes a claim?
You'll need to respond properly and be careful about distributing assets. We can guide you through your duties and represent the estate.
Do these cases always go to court?
No. Many are resolved by negotiation or mediation. We'll aim for a fair outcome, and prepare carefully for court if that's needed.
What is your pricing?
At Harriss Jones Lawyers, our services are fixed fee so there are no hidden charges. For a clear quote tailored to your matter, get in touch with our team.
Our Legal Insights
Legal advice you can count on
Whatever brings you here - property, family, wills and estates, or business - call us, book a call directly, or complete the form and we'll be in touch.
- 02 9575 7541
- Contact Us
- 572 Box Road, Jannali, NSW 2226
- Mon–Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Helping you through the key milestones of life - from property and family law to wills, estates and business.
Business Details
Harriss Jones Lawyers Pty. Ltd.
ABN: 84 165 555 233
Principals: Kathryn Harriss and Melanie Jones
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
© 2026 All rights reserved
Contact us today
- Phone: 02 9575 7541
- Address: 572 Box Road, Jannali, NSW 2226
- PO Box: PO Box 249, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225
