I have a strong foundation in all areas of Succession Law practice, being estate planning and asset protection, estate administration and estate litigation, and have worked on guardianship and financial administration matters at QCAT. I have also practised in family law which I have found supports and informs my Succession Law practice through my understanding of complicated interfamily relationships.
My desire to study law began in high school, so in Grade 12, 2011, I put together a resume and started door knocking law firms. My persistence paid off and I was initially offered one afternoon a week after school at a law firm in Oxford Street, Bulimba. I was doing all the office admin tasks and, with the Principal’s approval, I was reading law cases and immersing myself in Succession Law and family law. This is where my passion for helping clients began. From there, my career blossomed. After graduating high school, my intent was to study law at the University of Queensland as soon as possible. Which then became Law, Japanese and Criminology…
I graduated from UQ in July 2018 with dual Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in Japanese and Criminology) degrees. I then completed my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the College of Law in November 2018. I stood proudly at the head of my class to be admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland as a Solicitor in December 2018. I was also admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia in 2021. Whilst working full-time as a solicitor, I undertook a Master of Laws (Applied Law) through the College of Law and graduated in May 2023 and I’m proud to say I was also awarded a Graduate Fellowship to the College for my outstanding academic achievements.
My Succession Law experience includes:
- preparing standard and complex Wills, including Wills incorporating testamentary discretionary trusts;
- preparing both short- and long-form Enduring Powers of Attorney and General Powers of Attorney, including special terms and clauses tailored to suit my client’s needs;
- preparing binding death benefit nominations to comply with the requirements of industry funds and self-managed superannuation funds;
- reviewing and providing detailed and thorough advice regarding my client’s trust, company and self-managed superannuation fund structures, including in relation to asset protection;
- reviewing and providing comprehensive advice on retirement village and aged care agreements;
- estate administration, including obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration, both with the Will and on intestacy;
- providing advice to executors, attorneys and trustees as to their duties and obligations; and
- advising and representing clients in estate litigation matters, including family provision claims (many of which I have successfully settled) and claims disputing the validity of the Will.
I genuinely enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of my clients when successfully completing their estate planning or estate administration matter and when advising clients at different stages in their lives. The peace of mind (and often relief) that I can provide my clients is incredibly rewarding for the client and myself and solidifies why I became a lawyer in the first place – to help people.
I am also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (WLAQ).
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, attending live music concerts and live theatre (especially Hamilton!) and spending time with my family and friends.
Contact Kristen:
kristen@lifelegacylegal.com.au
(07) 3521 9090