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Practice Areas

Probate, Letters of Administration & Family Provision Claims

Letters of Administration:

In the some-what complicated event that a valid will has not been left, Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can assist you with applying for Letters of Administration to the Supreme Court of NSW. In these circumstances, there is legislation that details how an estate may be distributed and by whom. The Supreme Court can appoint an Administrator to distribute the estate under the Wills, Probate and Administration Act 1898.

The Family Provision Claims:

If you expected to be a beneficiary of a will but have not been provided for, you can make a claim against the distribution of any estate under the Succession Act 2006, provided you can clearly set out reasons as to why you should be considered a beneficiary of the deceased estate.

Probate:

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can help you apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for Probate in instances where there is a valid will and you have been nominated as Executor of that will. The Supreme Court can then grant probate which authorises you to distribute the deceased estate in accordance with the provisions of the will.

Wills & Estate Planning

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen offers one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to obtain wills in the Fairfield and Sydney region. We can assist you with:

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  • Drafting & updating wills

  • Applying for Probate

  • Assistance with claims against wills & estates

  • Deceased estate claims / defending deceased estates

  • Estate planning administration

  • Letters of Administration (in the event that a will is deemed invalid);

  • Supreme Court estate litigation; and

  • Assistance with the Family Provision claims under the Succession Act 2006

Retail & Commercial Leases

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can provide assistance with retail & commercial leases in a number of capacities. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced commercial lawyer before entering a lease, as it has the potential of becoming a negative impact on your business’ cash flow at a later stage. Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can assist you with:

  • Drafting and reviewing retail and commercial leases

  • Negotiation for the terms of the lease (including rent, transfer options, duration, exit and renewal options)

  • Subletting of premises

  • Insurance advice and assistance identifying the most suitable business insurance opportunities

  • Possible dispute resolution

A Power of Attorney is a legal document whereby one person grants another person the authority to make legal and financial decisions on their behalf. A Power of Attorney can be used in several ways – from having another take care of your affairs whilst travelling to times of extended illness.
An Enduring Power of Attorney takes this a step further, whereby the person nominated to manage the affairs (also called the “Donee”) may continue to manage the affairs once the person giving the power (also called the “Donor”) is found to have diminished mental capacity due to injury or illness. This arrangement can remain in place as long as the donor is still alive.
Powers of Attorney can be prepared in two ways – to come into effect immediately and to continue once the donor suffers a loss of capacity; or to come into effect at a future time (such as the onset of mental incapacity).
In order to sign a Power of Attorney, the donor must be capable of understanding the nature of the document they are signing and its effect. It is therefore important in situations where a Power of Attorney must be appointed that it is done so in a timely manner.

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​Appointing an enduring guardian differs from appointing an enduring power of attorney. An enduring power of attorney handles a person’s financial affairs whereas an enduring guardian handles personal decisions, such as a person’s living arrangements, their personal services and leisure activities, and consenting or refusing to medical/dental treatment.

Power of Attorney & Enduring Guardianship

Family Law & De Facto Relationships

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen family lawyers can provide assistance for a range of matters relating to family law & de facto relationships, including:

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  • Cohabitation Agreements

  • Prenuptial Agreements

  • Divorce & separation

  • Spousal maintenance

  • Division of property & assets

  • Child support, child protection and child custody matters

Traffic Law

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can also  provide assistance with the following Traffic Law matters:

  • Drink Driving Offences – drink driving penalties and novice to high-range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) offences.

  • Serious Driving Offences – including dangerous driving, negligent driving, reckless driving or predatory driving.

  • Common Driving Offences – including unlicensed driving and driving whilst disqualified or suspended. Also includes speeding penalties, license suspension etc.

  • Licence Appeals – including advice for going to Court.

  • Interlock Driving Program – For those with multiple DUI charges.

  • Penalties for Traffic Offences

There are a range of penalties available to the courts for traffic offences. Whilst some penalties are mandatory, we can advise you on the best possible strategy to adopt in attempting to reduce the penalty.

What We Do

Criminal Law

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can provide assistance with the following matters of criminal law:
 

  • Assaults

  • Computer-related crime

  • Violence (including domestic violence offences)

  • Drug offences

  • Firearm or dangerous weapon offences

  • Murder or Manslaughter

  • Perjury

  • Robbery

  • Theft

  • Fraud offences

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Conveyancing & Property Law

We understand that buying or selling a residential, commercial or industrial property is a big decision and a significant matter for most people. We cater to all people making property transactions in New South Wales including international investors. Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen can provide assistance with conveyancing and property law in the following ways:

  • Preparation of contracts for sale or purchase of land

  • Contract review

  • Property settlements and negotiations

  • Commercial & Retail Leases

  • Auction enquiries

  • Assistance with identifying suitable opportunities for finance

  • Assistance for first home owners & the First Home Owners Grant

  • Mortgages, refinancing & property deposit bonds

  • Property developments

  • Property division

Business & Commercial Law

Watson Stafford & Zipkis Nguyen business and commercial lawyers can provide assistance for a range of legal matters, including:

  • Purchase and sale of business

  • Drafting commercial agreements (joint ventures and partnerships), guarantees and security documents

  • Advice for company administrators

  • Advice on legislative requirements, including corporate structure, governance and compliance

  • Corporate and commercial litigation in Court

  • Advice on the protection of commercial assets

  • Advice for non-profit organisations and charities

  • The Corporations Act

  • Mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures & sales

  • Venture capital

  • Lending agreements

  • Employee share & option schemes

  • Corporate governance

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