Special Counsel

Paul practises principally in wills and estates, guardianship and administration, trusts and asset protection, and is experienced in advising high-net-worth families and individuals in relation to all aspects of wills, estates and trust-related matters.

Paul represents clients in litigated matters involving contested wills, estate disputes, trust disputes and breaches of fiduciary duties. He has handled a large number of contested will claims, and has been involved in numerous estate and trust litigation cases.

Paul has a special interest in guardianship and administration matters. He advises and acts in applications to VCAT and proceedings to recover assets for elderly clients and clients with a disability.

Paul joined KCL Law in November 2015 as a Senior Associate, and was appointed as a Special Counsel in July 2017. Paul previously worked in a full service commercial law firm and in a large trustee company.

Recognition

In 2021, Paul was recognised as a 'leading' lawyer in the Doyle's Estates & Litigation Guide, Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers — Victoria, 2021.

Paul's previous individual accolades in the Doyle's Wills & Estates Guides include:

• Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers — Victoria, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (Recommended)
• Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers — Victoria, 2018 (Recommended)

Recently, Paul was also named a 'finalist' in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2021 for Special Counsel of the Year.

To start your estate planning with Paul, click here.

Areas of practice

Estate disputes and litigation

• Testator’s family maintenance claims in the Supreme Court and County Court
• Commencing and defending will challenges
• Removal of executors
• Representing beneficiaries' interests (including minors and those under a disability)

Probate and estate administration

• Advising and assisting executors
• Complex and contested probate applications
• Supreme Court proceedings for judicial advice as to the administration of an estate

Guardianship, administration and elder law

• Applications to VCAT for appointment or revocation of guardians, administrators and attorneys
• Aged care and elder law issues
• Advice regarding breach of duties by attorneys and VCAT appointed administrators
• Litigation on behalf of minors or those under a disability

Trusts

• Advising on discretionary, charitable and special disability trusts
• Trust variations and appointments
• Trust disputes (acting for trustees and beneficiaries)
• Supreme Court proceedings for judicial advice as trust administration

Estate planning

• Wills
• Testamentary Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Asset protection
• Protecting estates from divorce
• Superannuation and death
• International wills
• Business succession

Admitted to practice

• March 2007 — Supreme Court of Victoria