Family Provision Walliston
Expert guidance when those closest to you have been left without adequate support
A Family Provision Walliston claim arises where a person has been left without adequate provision for their proper maintenance, support, education and advancement in life from a deceased person’s estate — whether under a will or through the laws of intestacy.
You may be eligible to make a claim if:
- You have not been adequately provided for under the deceased’s will or intestacy
- You had a close personal or financial relationship with the deceased
- You are a spouse, de facto partner, child, or other eligible person under the relevant legislation
- The estate has sufficient assets to make a claim worthwhile
- You are within the time limits set by law to bring a claim
If you believe this applies to you, contact us today. We can assess your situation, advise you on your prospects of success, and work to ensure you receive the provision you are entitled to from the estate.
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Family Provision Claims Walliston
The Family Provisions Act 1972 (WA) provides that, where a person, either under a will or through the laws of intestacy, has been left without adequate provision for their proper maintenance, support, education and advancement in life from the estate of a deceased, that person may apply to the Court for an order that adequate provision be made. The test is not whether the distribution to a person is unfair as this would derogate from the deceased’s freedom of testamentary disposition.
1. Who Can Apply for Family Provision Walliston?
You can make an application if you are one of the following:
- A spouse or de facto partner
- A former spouse who was being financially supported by the deceased at the time of their death
- The deceased’s children, including stepchildren and adopted children
- Grandchildren
- A parent
2. Timeframe to Apply
You have 6 months from when the Administrator/Executor is appointed to make an application. If you miss this deadline, you’ll need to convince the Court that there’s a good reason for it. It’s best to get your application in before the 6 months is up to avoid complications.
3. Unsure of What You Were Left in a Will?
To find out what you’ve been left in a Will, you’ll need to ask the Court for a copy of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Keep in mind, it can take up to 2 months from the time of application for the Court to grant this to the executor or administrator. Since applying isn’t usually the first thing on people’s minds after a death, it’s often a good idea to wait a couple of months before checking the probate records at the Supreme Court.
4. What Does “Proper Maintenance, Education, and Advancement in Life” Mean?
This covers providing life’s necessities and can go beyond just basic living expenses. It also aims to help improve the applicant’s opportunities and overall prospects in life.
5. What the Court Considers
The Court will look at what the applicant needs before deciding if enough provision was made for them. Each case is unique, and several factors come into play, including financial needs and any moral claims based on the relationship with the deceased.
The Relationship
The nature and depth of the relationship between the deceased and the applicant is important. This includes:- Services or sacrifices the applicant made for the deceased
- Contributions towards building the deceased’s estate
- Interactions and conduct between them
- Financial support the deceased provided
- The applicant’s age (generally, obligations lessen as children grow older but can increase again around retirement age)
- Size of the estate (larger estates may come with greater responsibilities to provide)
Why Choose Perth Probate Lawyer for Your Family Provision Claim
When you’ve been left without adequate provision from a loved one’s estate, you need a legal team that understands both the law and the weight of what you’re going through. Perth Probate Lawyer brings specialist expertise in deceased estate matters — including family provision claims — so you’re never navigating this process alone.
Fixed, Transparent Pricing
Perth Probate Lawyer offers most services at competitive fixed prices, meaning you know exactly what you’re up for from the very start — no surprise bills during an already difficult time.
Specialists in Deceased Estate Law
This isn’t a general practice firm dabbling in estate matters. Perth Probate Lawyer focuses specifically on wills, probate, and estate disputes, giving you the depth of knowledge that comes from handling these cases every day.
Practical, Compassionate Support
The firm has built its reputation on taking away the anxiety, concern, and overwhelm that comes with estate disputes. You’ll receive clear, practical advice — not confusing legal jargon.
Perth-Based, Perth-Focused
Located in the heart of Perth at Forrest Centre, the team understands Western Australian law and the Supreme Court processes that govern family provision claims in WA.
End-to-End Representation
From initial advice and negotiations through to mediation or court representation if needed, Perth Probate Lawyer handles every step — so you can focus on what matters most.
Common FAQ about Family Provision Walliston
The Act allows applications from spouses (including de facto partners), former spouses receiving support at the time of death, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), grandchildren, and parents of the deceased.
You must submit your application within 6 months of the Administrator/Executor being appointed. If you miss this deadline, you will need to show the Court why it is fair to let you apply late.
You can request a copy of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the Court. However, it may take up to 2 months for the Court to process this after someone passes away, so it’s usually best to wait before making a formal request.
It refers to ensuring you have the necessities of life, but can also extend to helping you improve your life prospects and opportunities.
Yes, they are different. Letters of Administration with Will annexed are only made if there is no executor to make an application, that is if there is a will but the will-maker didn’t appoint an executor or the only executor named in the Will is deceased, unable, or unwilling to act.
For comprehensive assistance with probate matters, contact Perth Probate Lawyer. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Explore Our Other Services
We offer a full range of estate planning and deceased estate services across Perth. Learn more about how we can help:
- Wills & Estates — Estate planning, will drafting and tax advice.
- Probate — Guiding executors through the Supreme Court probate process.
- Letters of Administration — Support when a loved one passes without a valid will.
- Executor Services — Practical help fulfilling your duties as an executor.
- Estate Disputes — Legal representation when estate conflicts arise.
- Challenge a Will — Contesting a will on grounds of fraud, undue influence or incapacity.
- Family Provision — Claiming adequate provision from a deceased estate.
Contact us today to discuss your situation.
Perth Probate and Wills Lawyer is a division of Laird Lawyers Commercial Lawyers.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
- Address: Forrest Centre, Level 25, 197 St Georges Tce, Perth WA 6000
- Phone: 08 6256 2887
- Email: contact@perthprobatelawyer.com
Navigating Family Provision — Understanding Your Broader Legal Picture
A family provision claim doesn’t always exist in isolation. Depending on your circumstances, it may intersect with other areas of law — from family arrangements to property matters. Understanding the bigger picture can help you make informed decisions at every step.
Where family dynamics are involved, resolving disputes sensitively and cost-effectively matters. Whether you’re dealing with a former spouse, a stepparent, or estranged relatives contesting an estate, having access to affordable family legal support in Perth can ensure your rights are protected without unnecessary financial strain.
In many family provision matters, parties are encouraged to resolve disputes outside of court. Mediation can be a constructive and less adversarial path forward — helping families reach agreements that honour the deceased’s intentions while fairly addressing the needs of those left behind. Learning more about family law mediation can help you understand whether this approach is right for your situation.
Where a deceased estate includes real property — such as the family home or investment properties — the distribution of those assets can add further complexity to a family provision claim. Understanding how property law intersects with estate matters in Perth ensures you’re fully informed before pursuing or defending a claim.
At Perth Probate Lawyer, we help you navigate all aspects of your family provision claim with clarity and compassion. Contact our team today to discuss your circumstances.