Testamentary Trusts Sydney - Trusted, Fixed-Fee Advice
Guiding Sydney families through deciding on and setting up a testamentary trust in their will - 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
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Looking for testamentary trust advice?
A testamentary trust is a trust that's set up in your will and only starts after you die. Instead of leaving assets straight to someone, they go into the trust and are managed by a person you choose.
It can sound complicated, but the idea is simple. It gives you more control over how and when your family benefits. We explain it clearly and help you work out whether it's worth it for you.
Areas we can help with
Whether a testamentary trust is right for you
Setting up a trust in your will
Choosing a trustee (the person who looks after the trust)
Planning for children and vulnerable beneficiaries
Reviewing wills to include a trust
Understanding testamentary trusts
A testamentary trust can be created in your Will, and can assist with tax minimisation and asset protection. These trusts are not suitable for all clients, so we assess and discuss the suitability of this type of trust with you when discussing your estate planning.
Tailored advice for your situation
Every family is different, so we shape our advice to your personal circumstances.
Parents of young children? A trust can manage an inheritance until children are old enough to handle it.
Blended family? A trust can help balance the needs of a partner and children from a previous relationship.
Worried about a beneficiary's circumstances? It can give you more control over how an inheritance is held and used if a child's circumstances change.
Supporting a family member with a disability? A disability support trust can be established in your Will, providing ongoing support while maximising the government financial assistance they can also receive.
Business owner or larger estate? We look at how business and family assets are passed on, and whether a trust offers benefits worth the extra complexity.
What are the potential risks?
How much protection a testamentary trust offers depends on the circumstances and how the trust is set up, and tax rules change, so we work alongside your accountant. For many people a straightforward Will is enough, however there are many benefits offered by putting in place a testamentary trust. Before recommending a testamentary trust we always meet with our clients to ensure it will meet their objectives.
Speak to Sydney's testamentary trust lawyers
Whether you are preparing your first Will or updating your estate plan, Harriss Jones Lawyers has the experience to guide you through every step. We will advise whether a Will or a Testamentary Trust is best for you, and we are here to answer any questions you may have.
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.
Our Legal Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about testamentary trusts.
What is a testamentary trust?
It's a trust created in your will that only begins after you die. Your assets go into the trust and a trustee manages them for your beneficiaries.
How is it different from a family trust?
A family trust is set up during your life. A testamentary trust is created by your will and starts only after your death. These two types of trusts are also taxed differently.
Who looks after a testamentary trust?
A trustee that you choose in your will. This can be a family member, friend or professional. Many people also name a backup.
Can a testamentary trust protect an inheritance?
It can add control over how and when an inheritance is used. How much protection it offers depends on the circumstances and how the trust is set up, so we'll talk through your situation honestly.
Are there tax benefits?
Sometimes. In certain situations, income from the trust that is distributed to children may be taxed more favourably. Tax rules change, so we work alongside your accountant.
Does everyone need a testamentary trust?
No. For many people a straightforward will is enough. We'll tell you honestly if a trust isn't worth the extra cost and complexity for you.
What is your pricing?
At Harriss Jones Lawyers, our estate planning 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
