Kerry-Ann Smith

Principal

Kerry-Ann has over 10 years’ experience practicing exclusively in the area of Wills, probate and estate planning, with most of those years in estate litigation and probate.

Before joining Smith Family Law, Kerry-Ann worked at a large national law firm for over seven years where she helped hundreds of clients achieve great settlements. Prior to this, she worked in a boutique law firm practising exclusively in the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning.

Kerry-Ann understands that the period following the death of a loved one can be difficult, so she takes the time to simply and clearly navigate her clients through the process. She works closely with clients to develop a detailed understanding of their needs and she cares about delivering the best result and removing the stress and uncertainty surrounding the legal process.

She is a member of the Victorian Women’s Lawyers and the Western Suburbs Law Association. She served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Victorian Law Institute Elder Law Section in 2018 and 2019 and has volunteered her services to the Council on The Ageing.

As a western suburb’s local, Kerry-Ann spends most of her time at our Sunshine and Williamstown locations and travels to the city as required.

In her spare time, she enjoys keeping fit and holidays with her family.

Memberships

  • Member of the Victorian Women Lawyers
  • Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
  • Member of Western Suburbs Law Association

Recent articles by Kerry-Ann

Impact of probate filing fee increases for deceased estates and estate planning

Impact of probate filing fee increases for deceased estates and estate planning

Significant Probate Office fee increases in Victoria will have an impact on executors and estate planning. This blog explores the recent increases in probate fees and how they may impact estates in Victoria. Executors of a deceased estate need to familiarise themselves with these new fees and processes.
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Probate office fees in Victoria

Probate office fees in Victoria

If you’re the executor of a Will, or you’re seeking to become an administrator of an estate where the deceased left no Will, it’s important to be aware of the probate office fees associated with applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
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Time limits for family provision claims when contesting a Will

Time limits for family provision claims when contesting a Will

There are strict time limits that apply for an eligible person to contest a Will. This blog explores what a family provision claim is, the time limit for an applicant to bring a claim against an estate, and factors that the court will take into consideration when determining whether that time limit should be extended.
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The risks of DIY probate

The risks of DIY probate

DIY probate may seem like an attractive cost-saving option after the death of a loved one but it may also pose significant risks. We explore some of those risks and the ways in which you can minimise them when applying for a Grant.
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