Robbins Watson

For more than 60 years, Robbins Watson has advised Gold Coast families, business owners and retirees. Today its wills and estates practice is one of the most established in Southeast Queensland. Peers have repeatedly recognised the firm in Doyle’s Guide in both Wills, Estates & Succession Planning and Estate, Trust & Probate Litigation. The team is led by Sean Powell, personally recognised as one of Queensland’s leading estate litigation solicitors and includes Christine Smyth, one of the few Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Succession Law. The firm works with clients from planning through to administration and, where needed, dispute resolution.

Estate planning and succession

The team prepares estate plans that go well beyond a simple will. This includes testamentary trusts, asset protection strategies, superannuation and life insurance nominations, enduring powers of attorney and advance health directives. The team also works with the firm’s commercial lawyers on business succession, so that family wealth and business interests pass as intended and with minimal tax and conflict.

Estate administration

Robbins Watson guides executors and administrators through probate and letters of administration and the full administration of deceased estates. The team gives practical, timely advice so executors understand their duties and beneficiaries receive their entitlements efficiently.

Estate, trust and probate litigation

The firm acts for executors, beneficiaries and claimants in contested estates. This includes family provision applications, challenges to the validity of wills, executor and trustee disputes, and claims involving superannuation and attorneys. The team favours early, commercially sensible resolution through negotiation and mediation, and is fully equipped to take matters to court when that is in the client’s interest.

Why clients choose Robbins Watson

Clients deal directly with experienced, specialist-led lawyers who understand the emotional weight of these matters. The firm combines that personal care with technical depth and efficient, technology-supported processes, including online intake for wills, probate and estate disputes. Clients get clear advice, realistic costs and outcomes that protect relationships as well as assets.