Hamilton Locke Private.

Our experienced Private Client Services team offers a range of legal solutions spanning wills, estates, succession planning, tax, and real estate tailored to your unique circumstances.

We will work collaboratively with you to build a deep understanding of your goals and objectives, now and into the future, and prepare solutions aligned closely to these.

Each day, our team works with family businesses of all shapes and sizes spanning many industry sectors to manage their legal needs and requirements, allowing them to start planning for a successful transition now or in the long term.

We have a highly experienced cross-functional team who will take the time to understand your business, your family dynamics and to deliver technically excellent legal solutions that you will understand.

Experience.

*Some of the above representations were undertaken while at previous firms

Acting for a high-profile Victorian family in a complex succession planning assignment involving a complex corporate structure.

Acting for a privately owned company in relation to a scrip-for-scrip transaction and considering whether they were eligible for scrip-for-scrip capital gains tax roll-over relief.

Advising privately owned companies, government and educational institutions in relation to superannuation obligations arising from wage underpayments and successfully arguing that superannuation guarantee charges should not be imposed.

Acting for high wealth owners on the application of the small business capital gains tax and transfer duty concessions to property transfers undertaken between family members.

Acting for a privately owned company on their business succession plan including a full review and recommended changes to their shareholders’ agreement and buy sell deed.

Acting in relation to a reorganisation of a high wealth owners’ estate plan in a manner that provided personal structuring for greater asset protection for the client and their intended beneficiaries of their estate.

Advising a high wealth client on a sophisticated estate plan involving a complicated entity structure, potential claims against the individual’s estate and complex will drafting requirements.

Advising a high net worth individual on a sophisticated estate plan involving a complicated entity structure, potential claims against the individual’s estate, recommended changes to the entity structure and complex will drafting requirements.

Acting in a partnership interest acquisition of a large veterinary practice including advising on the practices governing documents.

Our services include:

1. Estate and Succession Planning

Wills including Testamentary Discretionary Trusts
Enduring and General Powers of Attorney
Succession Planning and Business Transition Planning
Advanced Health Directives
Trusts advice

2. Tax and Structuring

Asset Protection and Structuring Advice
Entity Establishments
Restructuring including Tax and Duty Advice
Cross-border transactions

3. Estate Administration and Litigation

Proprietary Estoppel Claims
Challenging a Will including Family Provision Applications
Disputes between executors, administrators, or beneficiaries
Power of Attorney Disputes

4. Real Estate and Property

Rural, Residential and Commercial Property Transactions
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Property Development
Renewable Energy and Carbon Projects
Landholder Compensation Negotiations

By engaging Hamilton Locke to assist you with your personal legal needs, you will also be able to access our comprehensive range of corporate and commercial legal solutions easily and cost-effectively.

Why Is It Important To Manage Your Affairs Now?

Family-owned businesses account for approximately 70% of all Australian and New Zealand businesses.

The wealth held by the owners of these businesses will be transferred to younger generations over the next 20 years, and herein lies the challenge – transitioning this wealth can be complex and fraught with risk.

Taking the time to invest in effective estate, succession, and tax planning may save you and your family unnecessary conflict and administration when the time does come for a seamless transition.

Why Work With Us?

Our team are not just lawyers; they are business owners too. They understand the day-to-day complexities of running a successful business and know how challenging it can be to plan effectively.

When you are focused on growing your business, taking the time to manage your personal affairs can be daunting. Our team can help and guide you through this, and work with you to achieve your desired outcomes.