Sheelagh is Head of the Wills, Estates, Planning + Structuring Section. Her expertise covers succession planning, superannuation and estate planning, including wills, enduring powers of attorney, advanced health directives and any other estate planning documents. She routinely works with accountants, financial planners and financiers to provide structuring and planning solutions that are both legally and financially effective.
Sheelagh advises her clients on appropriate structures for asset protection and assists them to get their affairs in order to support their wishes, and also to reduce any future legal complications they or their families might otherwise face. She has helped clients with standard Wills, complex estate planning, rural property and family business succession planning, estate administration and senior living arrangements.
Sheelagh is dedicated to her clients and works hard to achieve the best outcome for them. She finds her work satisfying when she is able to assist her clients that are struggling with overwhelming personal situations, and helps them by simplifying the process. Being able to apply herself fully to each situation and to the different demands of her practice is something she enjoys every day.
Over her career she has assisted many families and prides herself on finding solutions even when it has become extremely difficult or if their circumstances are unusual. Recently, Sheelagh finalised a significant family succession matter for a multi-generational farming family and signed a Will at the bedside of a client who was not going to leave hospital. Sheelagh feels privileged to be part of these peoples’ lives at such times.
A normal day for Sheelagh might involve assisting a young person with a standard personal Will, to working on complex succession agreements involving rural properties worth over $10 million. Sheelagh regularly finds solutions for people of all circumstances.
Prior to legal practice Sheelagh spent more than 10 years as a registered nurse, which gave her an understanding of the medical and emotional issues that can impact families when making decisions. Her nursing background has also assisted her in relating to a broad range of people. She is compassionate with a straight-forward manner, and has a strong sense of integrity.
Sheelagh has lived and worked in two of Australia’s capital cities as well as a number of regional centers before settling in Toowoomba when her children started school. She loves the Toowoomba lifestyle, and being close to family.
Outside of work, Sheelagh spends time with her family and her spoilt dogs, Bella and Riker. Her family enjoys attending her children’s sport, sporting and target shooting, and scuba diving and going to the coast. She believes strongly in coastal clean-ups and always leaving with three pieces of rubbish that you did not create.
Sheelagh recognises the importance of giving back to the community including through her participation as a member of the Toowoomba Local Ambulance Committee.