You know your client’s wealth better than anyone: the booking centre, the trust structures, the family office, the next generation. What you may not have is a trusted Australian lawyer for the part of the family’s life that sits here. That might be a Melbourne property portfolio, children studying or settled in Australia, an Australian company, or a parent who has retired here.
Where we help your clients
- Australian wills that fit the global plan. Drafted to work alongside wills and trusts in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan or Mainland China, without revoking them.
- Cross-border probate. Resealing foreign grants, applying for Australian grants for foreign estates, and dealing with Australian banks, registries and the ATO.
- Professional executor and trustee services when the family needs a neutral in Australia, or no family member is able to act here.
- Estate disputes, handled with discretion. We prefer negotiation, mediation or a collaborative process, and litigate when it is necessary.
- Capacity and elder issues. Enduring powers of attorney, guardianship and the protection of older clients who live in Australia.
- Notarial services through our notary public, for documents going overseas.
How we work with you
- We do not compete with you. We do not manage money, sell products or take over the client relationship. The client stays yours.
- One point of contact, working in English, Mandarin or Cantonese.
- Discretion. We understand that families at this level value privacy above almost everything.
- Clear scope and fees agreed in writing before work begins.
- Coordination. We will work with the client’s lawyers, trustees and accountants in other countries, and keep you informed with the client’s consent.
Working relationships
The best referral relationships are built over time, between people who trust each other’s judgement. If you advise families with an Australian connection, we would welcome the opportunity to meet, in Melbourne or when you are next in Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a private banker refer a client to an Australian estate lawyer?
When a client’s family has assets or people in Australia, such as a Melbourne property portfolio, children studying or settled here, an Australian company or a parent who has retired here, Australian law governs that part of the family’s affairs. An Australian lawyer handles the wills, probate and any disputes for that part, while the banker keeps the client relationship.
Can an Australian will work alongside a will in Singapore or Hong Kong?
Yes. An Australian will can be drafted to cover only Australian assets and to work alongside wills and trusts in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan or mainland China, without revoking them. The lawyers in each country should see the other wills before signing so that the documents fit together.
Can a foreign grant of probate be used for Australian assets?
Not directly, but grants from some countries, including many Commonwealth jurisdictions, can be resealed by the Supreme Court of Victoria so that they take effect here. Where resealing is not available, an Australian grant is applied for instead. Either way, Australian banks and registries need the Australian step to be completed.
Does the client relationship stay with the referring adviser?
Yes. We do not manage money, sell products or take over the client relationship. With the client’s consent, we coordinate with the client’s lawyers, trustees and accountants in other countries and keep the referring adviser informed, working in English, Mandarin or Cantonese.
Chua Tan Associates advises families, executors, trustees and their professional advisers on estate planning, estate administration and estate disputes, in Australia and across borders. To arrange a confidential consultation, please contact our Melbourne office on +61 3 9602 3988 or submit an enquiry. Advice is available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Justin Chua (蔡智勋), lawyer and mediator, Chua Tan Associates, Melbourne. General information only, not legal advice. Victorian law unless stated otherwise.
Tell us about the estate
A short message is enough. We reply in English, Mandarin or Cantonese, and quote fees in writing before any work starts.
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