Areas of Practice

Wills and Estates

At Wightons Lawyers we have four lawyers who are engaged in preparation of Wills as a major part of their work. All different types of Will provisions are covered including testamentary trusts, disability trusts, charitable trusts and even trusts to look after your animals. We regularly act in obtaining probate of Wills and carrying out the administration of the estate on behalf of the executors. One of our lawyers, David Lindsay, is accredited as a specialist in Wills and Estates.

Will Challenges

We often take proceedings for plaintiffs and defendants in cases where someone has failed to provide sufficiently for a member of the family and further provision is then sought from the estate. These applications are becoming more common and we have the expertise to look after any of these matters.

Powers of Attorney

There are at least three types of Power of Attorney –

1. Financial, which allows someone to sign documents on your behalf
2. Medical – where you appoint someone to give consent for medical treatment on your behalf and;
3. Guardianship where you appoint someone to make decisions for you if you lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself.

Follow this link to obtain our detailed brochure on these issues

At Wightons Lawyers we can assist you with all your property transactions and issues that you may have:

• Selling or buying residential property
• Mortgagee in possession sales and purchases
• Subdivisions and off the plan developments
• Creation and removal of easements
• Owners Corporations - creation and buying or selling property where an owners corporation operates
• Buying and Selling of commercial premises
• General Law conversions
• Adverse Possession claims
• Completion of terms contracts
• Buying and selling of farms and rural properties
• Advice as to Retirement Village and Aged Care Facility agreements
  

Our commercial team can undertake the incorporation of a company for you, establish family or unit trusts and set up self managed superannuation funds. We are up to date with all of the relevant legislation and government requirements.

Contact Murray Pegg, David Lindsay or Justine Finlay for prompt, efficient service.

Our commercial law team can assist you in all of the following:

• Buying or selling a business
• Retail and commercial leasing for landlords and tenants
• Franchising
• Establishing a business
• Business structuring and succession planning

Our team comprises Murray Pegg, Justine Finlay, Megan Blair and David Lindsay, who is an Accredited specialist in business law.

Unfortunately, matters can go wrong and you may find that you need to commence or defend court proceedings. Murray Pegg has had many years experience in taking proceedings on behalf of clients and defending proceedings in the Magistrates Court, County Court, Supreme Court and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Our team can also assist you in debt collection and help you through insolvency issues.

Our family law team acknowledges the impact of separation not only on the family unit but also on business and third parties. Each matter is unique and requires consideration of many options to achieve a resolution which is tailored to your needs.

Our experienced practitioners provide services in the areas of:

• Property settlements (including commercial interests)
• Maintenance (child and spousal)
• Child welfare issues - residence, contact and relocation
• Divorce
  
• De facto relationships
  
• Intervention Orders
• Department of Human Services Child Protection Application

Resolution of dispute through conciliation and mediation options can provide a cost effective and timely resolution for disputes.

In the event that alterative dispute resolutions are not suitable then our practitioners appear in State and Federal Courts in both Melbourne and Geelong to obtain judicial determination of your claim and protection of your rights and responsibilities.

Should you seek an initial appointment for general advice then we offer a 30 minute free clinic appointment each Thursday at our Geelong Office. Appointments are essential for this popular service. Clinic appointments can be made by telephoning 5221 8777.

Our Family Law team comprises Susan Fridey, David Bosso and Ian Chapple

Our criminal law team can assist you in dealing with any criminal issues. Our solicitors appear in the Children's court, Magistrates court, County Court and Supreme court.

We can assist in bail applications and advise you on any charges you have received and assist with police interviews. Our team can advise you and prepare your case to enable you to obtain the best possible result.

If you are eligible for legal aid we are only too happy to assist with the application and guide you through the criminal law process.

Our team includes, Sue Fridey, Daivd Bosso, and Ian Chapple who is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist with over 30 years experience.

Our lawyers can assist you in all areas of your Victims of Crime Assistance Applications. We have experience in all areas of Victims of Crime Law; from directs victims of violent crime (primary victims) to related victims of crime. We can help you through the entire application process from assisting in determining your eligibility to make a claim, making your initial application and appearing on your behalf before the tribunal.