Skip to main content

New announcement. Learn more

Wills and Estate Planning Sydney - Trusted, Fixed-Fee Advice

Guiding Sydney families through wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate planning - with clear advice and fixed-fee pricing.

  • Representing you and your interests, always
  • Experienced and approachable
  • Quality, responsive advice
  • Compassionate, careful listening

Client Reviews

  • "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

  • "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

  • "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

  • "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 wills & estate planning advice?

Wills and estate planning is an essential activity necessary to prepare yourself and your family for life's uncertainties. Estate planning includes preparing your Will, Power of Attorney, Appointment of Enduring Guardian and, where suitable, testamentary or disability support trusts.

Once your estate planning is completed, you will have peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order, should life throw you a curve-ball.

Areas we can help with

  • Wills

  • Enduring Powers of Attorney

  • Appointment of Enduring Guardian

  • Testamentary trusts

  • Disability support trusts

  • Mutual wills and codicils

Understanding wills & estate planning

Estate planning is more than a Will. It can include a Power of Attorney, an Appointment of Enduring Guardian and, where suitable, testamentary or disability support trusts, so that your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected.

At Harriss Jones Lawyers, we pride ourselves on understanding your unique wishes and situation, and will answer all of your questions. We will assist you in navigating the legal terminology in your documents, and we can take your instructions either at our office or, in certain circumstances, with a hospital or nursing home visit.

We are experienced in dealing with deceased estates, so we will always ensure that your documents are drafted in a way that helps protect your family from expensive estate litigation after your death. Our estate planning documents are provided at a fixed cost.

Tailored advice for your situation

Every family's circumstances are different, so we shape our advice around where you are in yours.

Need a Will? It is good practice to complete a Will if you have any assets or dependants, and to update it as your circumstances change. Review it every few years, and particularly after any major event such as marriage, divorce, property purchase or sale, the death of a beneficiary or a significant change in your assets.

Want someone to manage your finances if you can't? A Power of Attorney appoints someone you trust to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf. We encourage clients to complete an Enduring Power of Attorney, which continues to operate if you lose the capacity to make decisions yourself.

Planning for health and personal decisions? An Appointment of Enduring Guardian enables one or more people to make decisions about your health and personal affairs, such as where you live and what care and services you receive, when you can no longer make these decisions for yourself.

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.

Not sure which instruments suit you? We will advise whether a Will or a Testamentary Trust is best for you (these trusts can assist with tax minimisation and asset protection, but are not suitable for all clients), and can draft and review contracts to make Mutual Wills or a Codicil to a Will.

We recommend completing your Will, Enduring Guardian and Power of Attorney documents together, so your appointed representatives can rely on them if unforeseen circumstances arise. It is also far more cost effective to complete all three with us at the same time. Once you have signed, we will arrange for your nominated persons to attend our office to accept their appointment, free of charge.

What are the potential risks?

We strongly recommend visiting a lawyer to draft your Will, rather than buying a will kit or handwriting one yourself. A lawyer can help make sure your Will is legally valid and your wishes are accurate and clear, avoiding later confusion and conflict amongst your loved ones. You can choose anyone as a beneficiary, however if you don't provide for your family or any dependants, your Will can be contested and your hard-earned assets used on litigation fees - putting significant stress on your family and relationships after your passing.

Speak to Sydney's wills & estate planning 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 can complete your drafts as quickly as you require, 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.

  • <

    1. Get in touch

    Contact us early so we can understand your situation and goals.

  • 2. Review & advise

    We assess the details and explain your options in plain English.

  • 3. Plan your next steps

    We confirm the approach, timeline and fixed fee upfront.

  • 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

Proud members of…

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about wills and estate planning.

Do I really need a will?

It's strongly recommended. Without a will, NSW law decides who receives your estate. That may not be what you'd choose, and it can make things harder for your family.

What makes a will valid in NSW?

Generally, it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who also sign. Witnesses shouldn't be people who receive something under the will. We make sure every step is done correctly.

What's the difference between a will and a power of attorney?

A will takes effect after you die. An enduring power of attorney lets someone you trust make financial decisions for you while you're alive, if you can't.

How often should I update my will?

Every few years, and after big life events such as marriage, separation, having children or buying a property.

Can I change my will later?

Yes, as long as you have the capacity to do so. Changes should be made carefully, usually with a new will or a formal update.

How long does it take to prepare a will?

It depends on how complex your situation is. We'll give you a clear idea of timing at the start.

Can I provide you with instructions for my elderly relative?

When taking will and estate planning instructions it is important that we take the instructions directly from the testator (the person who is putting the documents in place). There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, it means that we can provide third parties, for example the Supreme Court with detailed evidence of their capacity at the time they gave us instructions. Secondly, it protects the beneficiaries of a will. For example, if it was shown that the testator was influenced by someone else then it would be possible to dispute the validity of the Will. Please call us to discuss how best we can assist your elderly relative.

Our Legal Insights

Recording a Conversation During Separation: What NSW Law Says

If things are tense with your ex-partner, it's tempting to hit record. Maybe you want proof of what was said, or you're worried about your safety. Before you do, it helps to know where you standRead more

Digital Assets and Your Will

Your life isn't just physical anymore Traditional Wills focus on property, money, and possessions. But so much of life now exists online, and it's easy to forget these things need thinking about too.Read more

What Happens During the Cooling-Off Period

If you have bought or are about to buy residential property in New South Wales, you would have heard of the cooling-off period. It is a short window after you sign the contract when you can stillRead more

Family Law Update: the FCFCOA Enforcement List

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) has introduced a new National Enforcement List which commenced on the 21st of September 2026. What is the National Enforcement List? TheRead more

When Should You Update Your Will?

Life changes, and your Will should keep up with it. A Will written years ago might no longer reflect your relationships, your assets, or your wishes. Here are the moments worth pausing to check. ARead more

Buying Your First Home: What Conveyancing Involves

A big step, with a lot of moving parts Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of paperwork you have probably never seen before. Conveyancing is the legal process ofRead more

Who Can be a Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate is a significant decision, and one that comes with legal requirements designed to protect everyone involved, the surrogate, her family, and the intended parents. Age requirementRead more

Superannuation and Property Settlement After Separation

Superannuation can be one of the most significant assets accumulated during a relationship. When a marriage or de facto relationship ends, superannuation generally needs to be considered as part of tRead more

What is Probate and Do You Need It?

'Probate' comes up a lot after someone dies, but it's rarely explained clearly. In simple terms, probate is the court's official confirmation that a Will is valid, and that the named executor has theRead more

Relocation, Travel and Passports: Can I Move With My Child After Separation?

If you've separated from your child's other parent and you're thinking about moving, you may be wondering whether you can take your child with you. The answer depends on your circumstances. If theRead more

Blended Families and Wills: Getting it Right

If you've remarried, or you have children from an earlier relationship, a standard Will often doesn't reflect what you actually want. It's a common gap, and an easy one to fix once you know to look fRead more

Coercive Control and Family Violence: What You Need to Know

What Is Coercive Control? When people think about domestic or family violence, they often think about physical abuse. But abuse is not always physical. Sometimes it involves a pattern of behaviourRead more

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.