An inheritance held
for your family.
A testamentary trust is created by your will and holds an inheritance for your family. It can help protect assets if a beneficiary faces creditors or a relationship breakdown, and can allow income to be shared within the family.
Client reviews
In our clients’ own words.
Been dealing with Dinesh, Pallavee and his staff for over 10 years, more than 20 properties settled through them. The amount of expertise Joshi Lawyers has is next to none… every question answered and every transaction handled in the most professional way.
Ankur AnandProperty investor · Google review, 2018 We engaged Joshi Lawyers for a business purchase and found them to be very professional, dedicated and helpful. Dinesh has a significant degree of knowledge in business and commercial law matters. We were advised about everything in detail and kept informed about our matter’s progress at each stage.
Anqi HuangBusiness purchase · Google review, 2017 The best family lawyers I have ever known. Great service, pragmatic, non-judgmental approach. Prompt communication with an amazing team who have a detailed approach and understanding.
N. S.Family law client · Google review, 2024 Made a complex process simple. I received pro-active phone calls and emails letting me know about timeframes and deadlines… Everything was completed remotely and so easy, as well as regular communication which far exceeded my expectations.
Dhaval PatelHome buyer · Google review, 2020 Our first experience in Australia using any lawyer. All advice given was very fair and to the point. It was them who suggested the statutory demand process, which we used for a speedy recovery, and it worked.
GNS Group AustraliaDebt recovery · Google review, 2023 They truly work on the root cause of the problem and understand your case so precisely that no further worry is required. They take the entire burden off my shoulders… professional, direct and highly efficient.
A. N.Parenting matter · Google review, 2025 I’ve used Joshi Lawyers a few times now and have always had a good experience with them. The communication and service from their team throughout the entire process from start to finish is great, and they are cost-effective, too.
Ian HProperty and conveyancing client · Google review, 2019 Dinesh solved my dispute in 4 months where the other lawyer I had prior took 12 months giving me no foresight on my case. Dinesh has a clear foresight in his cases and closes all objections with ease and makes you aware of your standing.
Dheeraj WadhwaniBusiness dispute · Google review, 2018 They set the right expectation and provided sound legal advice. I engaged them for my separation, which involved property and children and was a very emotional one for me. I will highly recommend them, especially for someone new to legal proceedings.
A. K.Separation, property and parenting · Google review, 2024 We bought our first commercial property and Dinesh looked after our file… sent us all information three days prior with all calculations, and kept us posted with all changes on the settlement date. A hassle-free experience.
Ravneet KaurCommercial property buyer · Google review, 2020 From business settlements to my recent land settlement, they have never failed to impress me. Thank you Dinesh and your team for taking the stress from us and dealing with all sorts of issues and disputes very professionally.
Aarti AroraBusiness owner and investor · Google review, 2017 Pallavee was empathetic, supportive and professional throughout the process. I could tell the firm had my best interest in mind.
K. K.Family law client · Google review, 2021 The process went smooth with no stress, communication was easy and we were kept informed throughout the process. We can’t recommend them enough and we will definitely be using their services for future settlements.
Dureka HomesBuilder · Google review, 2019 I am with them for the past 5 years for several land purchases. In all instances they have provided great service to me… taking ownership and providing extra-mile service.
Sumita MukherjeeLand investor · Google review, 2019
Is this you?
When people come to us about testamentary trusts.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- You want to leave your estate to your children but protect it from their relationships.
- A beneficiary runs a business, or has debts.
- You have young grandchildren and want income from the inheritance shared with them.
- A beneficiary is not ready to manage a large sum.
How we help
The same inheritance can do much more for your family inside a trust.
Inside a testamentary trust, the trustee decides how income and capital are shared among the family. Income paid to children from a testamentary trust is generally taxed at adult rates, which can reduce the tax the family pays. Assets held in the trust are also harder for a beneficiary’s creditors or former partner to reach.
We draft testamentary trusts tailored to your family, and explain how control passes and how each beneficiary can choose to take their share outright instead.
What we do
- Testamentary trusts drafted into your will
- A trust for each beneficiary, or for the family together
- Trustee, appointor and control provisions
- Protective trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries
- Advice with your accountant on tax outcomes
- An option for beneficiaries to take their share outright
What happens first
How it works.
Four steps, with a lawyer the whole way.
Online, in your own time
Answer the questions from home, at your own pace. Your answers are saved as you go.
Within one business day: your draft
Our lawyers prepare your documents and send you a link to read them.
Your changes, in your own words
Tell us anything you would like changed. One round of changes is included.
Signed with a lawyer
A meeting with one of our lawyers, by video or at our office, where we explain the documents and guide you through signing.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
Is a testamentary trust worth it for a modest estate?
It depends on the family more than the size of the estate. For beneficiaries with young children, business risk or relationship concerns, it is often worth considering.
Can I add a testamentary trust to a will made online?
Yes. It is available as an option when you make your will, and we explain it at the consultation.
What does it cost?
Wills and powers of attorney made online have a fixed price, shown before you pay. Probate, estate administration and estate disputes are quoted in writing before the work starts, and you are told early if anything changes.
More in estate planning
View all wills and estates- Wills, made onlineA proper will drafted by our lawyers from your answers online, and signed with a lawyer.Read more
- Estate planning adviceYour will, powers of attorney, super and structures planned together, so everything passes as you intend.Read more
- Powers of attorneyEnduring powers of attorney and medical treatment decision makers, so someone you trust can act if you cannot.Read more
- Superannuation nominationsDeath benefit nominations made so your super goes where you intend, with the tax explained.Read more
- Updating your willWills updated after marriage, separation, a new child, a death in the family or a change in what you own.Read more
- Safe custody of willsYour original will held securely, recorded and released to your executor when it is needed.Read more
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.