ReesLaw

Estate Planning Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. At ReesLaw, we bring over 38 years of specialist expertise to every aspect of wills and estate planning — helping you make informed, confident decisions about your assets, your family, and your legacy. Our work goes well beyond drafting a will. We advise on appointing trusted people to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated, structuring your estate to minimise tax and stamp duty, and protecting assets from creditors or the claims of a divorcing spouse. For business owners, we provide tailored strategies to ensure continuity and protect your interests should a partner die or become incapacitated. When it comes to estate administration and litigation, we guide executors, beneficiaries, and families through what can be a complex and emotionally difficult process — including contesting a will or resolving disputes over an estate. You can expect clear communication, practical advice, and honest counsel at every stage. Whatever your circumstances, ReesLaw is here to help you put the right plan in place — and give you genuine peace of mind.

Family law matters are rarely just legal problems — they touch the people and relationships that matter most. At ReesLaw, we understand that, and we're here to help you through it. With over 38 years of experience and accredited specialist status, our Toowoomba-based team advises on the full range of family law matters: divorce, parenting arrangements, child support, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. We take the time to understand your situation fully, explain your options clearly, and give you honest advice about what outcomes are realistic — so you can make decisions with confidence, not uncertainty. Property settlements can be complex, and parenting arrangements deeply personal. We work to achieve fair, practical resolutions that reflect your legal rights and protect what matters most to you — whether that means negotiating a sensible agreement or advocating firmly on your behalf in court. Throughout every stage, you'll find us approachable, responsive, and straightforward. We believe you deserve to know exactly where you stand.

Buying or selling property is one of the most significant financial transactions most people will ever make. It deserves more than a tick-the-box approach. At ReesLaw, we provide thorough, attentive conveyancing services that protect your interests at every stage of the transaction — and make sure nothing is overlooked. For buyers, that means carefully reviewing the contract before you sign, explaining your rights and obligations in plain terms, conducting the necessary searches, managing settlement, and ensuring the title you receive is clean and unencumbered. For sellers, it means preparing a contract that accurately reflects the terms of the sale, meeting your disclosure obligations, and bringing the transaction to a timely and trouble-free conclusion. Property transactions can be straightforward — and with the right legal support, most are. But complications do arise: unexpected search results, disputes over inclusions, delays, finance difficulties, or contract conditions that need negotiating. When they do, having an experienced solicitor rather than a document processor handling your matter makes a real difference. With over 38 years of experience in property law across Queensland, ReesLaw brings the expertise, care, and attention to detail your transaction deserves — whether you're purchasing your first home, adding to an investment portfolio, or selling a property you've held for decades.

De facto couples have significant legal rights — and significant legal responsibilities — that many people don't fully appreciate until a relationship breaks down. Whether you're separating from a long-term partner, seeking to protect assets you brought into a relationship, or simply wanting to understand where you stand, the law in this area is more complex than it might appear. At ReesLaw, we advise de facto couples across the full range of family law matters: property settlements, spousal maintenance, parenting arrangements, and the division of superannuation. The legal framework for de facto relationships largely mirrors that which applies to married couples — but there are important differences, including specific eligibility requirements and strict time limits that apply when making a claim. Getting advice early matters. We also assist couples who want to formalise their financial arrangements before or during a relationship through a Binding Financial Agreement — a practical step that can provide clarity and protection for both parties, whatever the future holds. With over 38 years of experience in family law, ReesLaw provides the clear, honest advice de facto couples need to understand their rights, protect their interests, and move forward with confidence.

When someone close to you dies, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed by legal obligations. Yet executors and administrators face real responsibilities — and real consequences if things go wrong. At ReesLaw, we're here to take the complexity off your shoulders. Administering an estate involves far more than distributing assets. It can mean obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, identifying and valuing assets, managing or selling property, dealing with creditors, handling tax obligations, and ultimately accounting to beneficiaries. Each estate is different, and some are considerably more involved than they first appear. We guide executors and administrators through every step of the process — clearly explaining your duties, keeping you on the right side of your legal obligations, and moving things forward as efficiently as possible. Where an estate is straightforward, we'll tell you so. Where it isn't, you'll have the benefit of over 38 years of specialist experience to navigate it. Families deserve to have a loved one's estate handled with care, accuracy, and respect. That's what we're here to provide.

Even the best-prepared estates can give rise to disagreement. Disputes between beneficiaries, challenges to an executor's conduct, contested distributions, or concerns about whether a will truly reflects the deceased's intentions — these situations are more common than most people expect, and they can place enormous strain on families already dealing with grief. At ReesLaw, we act for executors, administrators, and beneficiaries in all manner of estate disputes. Whether you need to defend the validity of a will, hold an executor to account, contest a distribution you believe is wrong, or bring a family provision claim where you've been inadequately provided for, we'll give you a clear-eyed assessment of your position from the outset — including an honest view of your prospects. Estate disputes are rarely simple, and they're almost always sensitive. We approach them with the rigour they demand and the discretion they deserve, working wherever possible to resolve matters without the cost and delay of litigation. Where court proceedings are necessary, you'll have experienced, determined representation behind you. Knowing your rights — and acting on them promptly — can make all the difference. We're here to help you do both.

Separation is rarely just a legal event. It's a significant life change — often painful, frequently complicated, and almost always uncertain. At ReesLaw, we understand that, and we're here to provide the clear, steady guidance you need to move through it. In Australia, divorce and the resolution of financial and parenting matters are separate legal processes, and it's important to understand the distinction. A divorce formally ends a marriage, but it does not resolve property settlements, spousal maintenance, or arrangements for children — and strict time limits apply to making those claims once a divorce is granted. Acting promptly, and with good advice, protects your position. At ReesLaw, we assist clients through every aspect of separation and divorce: applying for divorce, negotiating and formalising property settlements, establishing parenting arrangements, and addressing spousal maintenance where it arises. We work to resolve matters as efficiently and amicably as possible — minimising cost, conflict, and disruption to your family. Where court intervention becomes necessary, you'll have experienced, principled representation on your side. Separation marks the end of one chapter. With the right advice, it can also be the start of a more secure one.

Court orders are not suggestions. When parenting arrangements are ignored, property settlement obligations go unmet, or a former partner simply refuses to comply, you have the right to act — and ReesLaw is here to help you do so. Enforcement in family law can take a number of forms depending on the nature of the order and the conduct involved. We advise clients on the most effective and proportionate steps available, whether that means filing a contravention application, seeking compensation for lost time with children, recovering assets or funds owed, or pursuing more serious consequences where a breach is deliberate and repeated. We also act for parties who have been accused of contravening an order and need to respond. Non-compliance with family law orders is a serious matter — for the person breaching them and for the families affected. The courts take it seriously too. What's important is responding quickly, with clear advice about your options and a firm hand guiding the process. If someone isn't honouring their obligations under a family law order, you don't have to accept it. We'll help you understand your rights and take the right steps to enforce them.

Estate administration is the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person's assets in accordance with their will — or, where there is no will, according to the rules of intestacy. It sounds straightforward. In practice, it rarely is. At ReesLaw, we provide comprehensive support to executors and administrators at every stage of the process — from obtaining Probate or Letters of Administration, through to the final distribution of the estate. We handle the legal formalities, liaise with banks, government agencies, and other institutions, manage outstanding debts and tax obligations, and ensure beneficiaries receive what they're entitled to in a timely and transparent way. Every estate is different. Some are resolved efficiently with minimal complication. Others involve property, business interests, complex family structures, or beneficiaries in dispute — and require careful, experienced handling. Whatever the circumstances, we'll give you an honest assessment of the process ahead and the support to see it through. With over 38 years of experience in estate law, ReesLaw has the knowledge and the care this responsibility demands.

A Binding Financial Agreement is one of the most powerful tools available in family law — and one of the most misunderstood. Whether entered into before a relationship begins, during it, or after it ends, a properly prepared agreement gives couples clarity and control over their financial arrangements, without the uncertainty of leaving those matters to a court to decide. At ReesLaw, we prepare and advise on Binding Financial Agreements for married and de facto couples across a wide range of circumstances — protecting assets brought into a relationship, quarantining inheritances or business interests, formalising property settlements on separation, or simply providing both parties with a clear understanding of where they stand. We also act for clients who have been presented with an agreement by a partner and need independent advice before signing. The law surrounding Binding Financial Agreements is technical and unforgiving. An agreement that is poorly drafted, improperly executed, or entered into without proper independent legal advice can be set aside by a court — leaving the parties in exactly the uncertain position the agreement was meant to avoid. Getting it right from the outset is essential. With over 38 years of experience in family law, ReesLaw has the specialist expertise to ensure your agreement is robust, enforceable, and genuinely protective of your interests.

Estate law doesn't always arrive with a neat label attached. Sometimes you have a question that doesn't fit a single category — about your obligations as a beneficiary, a dispute brewing within a family, the implications of a relationship breakdown on an existing will, or simply whether the arrangements you have in place still reflect your circumstances. At ReesLaw, we're happy to start with the question you have, wherever it leads. Our advice spans the full spectrum of estate law — wills, Powers of Attorney, estate administration, family provision claims, succession planning, and the intersection of estates with tax, property, and family law. If your situation touches more than one area, we have the breadth of experience to address it as a whole rather than in pieces. Estates can be straightforward, or they can be surprisingly complex. What matters is getting sound advice early — before small issues become costly problems. With over 38 years of specialist experience, ReesLaw provides the kind of clear, honest guidance that helps you understand your position and act with confidence. Whatever your estates question, we're a good place to start.

Family law doesn't always arrive as a clear-cut problem with an obvious solution. Sometimes you simply need to understand where you stand — before a situation escalates, before you respond to something a former partner has done, or before you make a decision that could affect your rights down the track. At ReesLaw, we're here for those conversations. Our advice spans the full range of family law — divorce and separation, property settlements, parenting arrangements, child support, spousal maintenance, de facto relationships, and Binding Financial Agreements. If your situation touches more than one area, or doesn't fit neatly into any category, we have the breadth and depth of experience to help you see the whole picture. Good family law advice isn't just about knowing the law. It's about understanding your circumstances, being honest about your options, and helping you make decisions that serve your long-term interests — not just the immediate ones. That's the standard we hold ourselves to in every client conversation. With over 38 years of specialist experience in family law, ReesLaw is a trusted first call for people navigating some of life's most challenging moments. Whatever your question, we'll give you a straight answer.

Not every family law matter needs to end up in court. In fact, most are better resolved without it — more quickly, more cost-effectively, and with far less damage to the relationships that matter, particularly where children are involved. Mediation offers a structured, supported process for reaching agreement, and at ReesLaw we're strong believers in its value. Family dispute resolution is not only encouraged under Australian family law — in most cases involving children, it's required before court proceedings can be commenced. We help clients prepare thoroughly for mediation, ensuring you understand your legal position, know what outcomes are realistic, and enter the process with a clear sense of what you're working towards and what you're prepared to accept. Mediation works best when both parties are properly advised and genuinely engaged. It requires preparation, patience, and a willingness to focus on practical outcomes rather than winning arguments. Where an agreement is reached, we ensure it is properly documented and legally binding — so there is no ambiguity and no room for dispute later. Where mediation is unsuccessful or simply not appropriate, ReesLaw is equally prepared to represent you in court. But in our experience, the right preparation and the right advice give mediation the best possible chance of success — and that's always worth pursuing first.

When a relationship ends, the most important decisions aren't about property — they're about children. Where they live, how much time they spend with each parent, how major decisions about their lives are made, and how both parents continue to play a meaningful role despite the breakdown of the relationship. At ReesLaw, we understand what's at stake, and we approach every parenting matter with the care and seriousness it deserves. We assist parents in reaching parenting arrangements that are practical, child-focused, and durable — whether through negotiation, mediation, or, where necessary, court proceedings. We'll help you understand the principles the law applies, what the courts look for when assessing a child's best interests, and what a realistic outcome looks like in your circumstances. Where agreement is possible, we'll work to achieve it. Where it isn't, we'll represent you firmly and effectively. Parenting arrangements should be properly documented. An informal understanding between parents can break down, leaving everyone — especially children — in an uncertain and unsettling position. We ensure any agreement reached is formalised in a way that provides clarity and is enforceable if it needs to be. Child support is closely connected to parenting arrangements, and we advise on both the administrative assessment process and on arrangements that depart from the standard formula where circumstances warrant it. Whatever your parenting situation, ReesLaw is here to help you reach an outcome that puts your children first — and gives your family the stability it needs to move forward.

None of us can predict when illness, injury, or age might affect our ability to manage our own affairs. An Enduring Power of Attorney ensures that if that day comes, the people you trust are legally empowered to act on your behalf — without delay, uncertainty, or the need for court intervention. At ReesLaw, we prepare Enduring Powers of Attorney for both financial and personal/health matters, taking care to ensure your documents accurately reflect your wishes and provide the right level of authority to your chosen attorneys. We'll explain the distinction between the two, the responsibilities your attorneys will carry, and the safeguards that can be built in to protect you. Choosing the right attorney — and getting the document right — matters enormously. A poorly drafted or misunderstood Power of Attorney can create serious problems at exactly the moment your family can least afford them. With over 38 years of experience in estate and succession law, ReesLaw brings the expertise and careful attention to detail this important document demands. An Enduring Power of Attorney is not just paperwork. It's one of the most important decisions you'll make — and we're here to help you make it well.

When someone dies leaving a will, the executor named in that will may need to obtain a Grant of Probate before they can deal with the estate's assets. It's a necessary legal step — but for many executors, it's unfamiliar territory arriving at an already difficult time. At ReesLaw, we handle the probate process from start to finish. We assess whether a grant is required, prepare and file the necessary court documents, liaise with financial institutions and other asset holders, and guide you through your obligations as executor. Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what matters. Probate applications can be more involved than they appear. Complications can arise from the state of the original will, the nature of the assets, disputes among beneficiaries, or questions about the deceased's domicile. If any of these issues arise, you'll want experienced advice on your side — not to be navigating them alone. With over 38 years of experience in estate law, ReesLaw has the expertise to handle probate matters of any complexity, with the care and efficiency your responsibilities as executor demand.

When a relationship ends, reaching a fair financial settlement is one of the most significant legal steps you'll take. It's also one where the stakes are high, the law is complex, and the decisions you make — or fail to make — can have lasting consequences. At ReesLaw, we bring the specialist expertise and careful attention this process demands. Property settlement in family law is not simply a matter of dividing assets down the middle. The law requires a careful assessment of what each party contributed to the relationship — financially, as a homemaker, and as a parent — as well as each party's future needs and circumstances. The result is rarely a formula, and rarely obvious. It requires experienced analysis, honest advice, and in many cases, skilled negotiation. We act for clients across the full range of property settlement matters: from straightforward separations to complex cases involving significant assets, business interests, trusts, superannuation, debt, and disputed valuations. We'll identify all assets and liabilities, advise you on what a fair outcome looks like, and work strategically to achieve it — whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation if necessary. Timing matters too. Strict time limits apply to property settlement claims following divorce or the breakdown of a de facto relationship, and delay can compromise your position. Early advice is always in your interests. With over 38 years of specialist experience in family law, ReesLaw has the knowledge, the rigour, and the determination to ensure your financial future is protected.

Few family law disputes are more emotionally charged — or more legally complex — than relocation. When one parent wants to move, whether across Queensland or across the country, the consequences for the other parent's relationship with their children can be profound. The courts treat these applications seriously, and so do we. Relocation matters require careful, strategic handling from the outset. Whether you are a parent seeking to relocate with your children or a parent opposing a move, the legal principles involved are nuanced and the outcomes are far from predictable. The court's focus is always on the best interests of the children — but how that is assessed in the context of relocation involves a careful weighing of competing considerations that demands experienced, well-prepared advocacy. At ReesLaw, we act for parents on both sides of relocation disputes. We'll help you understand the legal framework, assess the strength of your position honestly, and build the most compelling case possible — whether that means supporting a proposed move or resisting one. Where urgent action is needed to prevent a relocation occurring before orders are in place, we can move quickly to protect your position. Relocation decisions can reshape a child's relationship with a parent in ways that are difficult to undo. The right advice, taken early, can make all the difference.

A valid, well-drafted will is the foundation of any estate plan — yet it's something many people put off until it's too late. At ReesLaw, we make the process straightforward, so you can have the right documents in place and the peace of mind that comes with them. We prepare wills for individuals and couples across a wide range of circumstances, from straightforward estates to more complex situations involving blended families, business interests, or significant assets. We'll ask the right questions, identify issues you may not have considered, and ensure your wishes are clearly and legally expressed — so there's no room for ambiguity or dispute down the track. A properly prepared will also works in concert with your broader estate plan. We'll advise on how your will interacts with superannuation, jointly held assets, and other structures to ensure your estate passes to the people you intend, in the way you intend. With over 38 years of experience in wills and estate law, ReesLaw offers the expertise and personal attention your family deserves.