Increasing Rates of Intestacy in NSW
In September, 2025, ABC News had published an article about the rise of will disputes and growing concerns among legal practitioners regarding Australians not drafting valid and up-to-date wills.
In the article, the NSW Supreme Court stated that: “the rate of people dying intestate – that is, without a valid will – has risen sharply”.
In 2024 alone, the NSW Supreme Court recorded, NSW to have accumulated:
- 465 probate matters; and
- 996 family provision claims.
These figures highlight an escalating trend of estate disputes across the state.
The Causation the Rise of Statistics
Several social and economic factors have contributed to the growing number of contested wills disputes in NSW:
- A shift away from traditional, nuclear family structures to more complex, blended family dynamics.
- The rising property values, increasing the financial stakes in estate matters.
- Greater public awareness of legal rights to challenge wills, leading more individuals to contest perceived unfair distributions.
- A growing proportion of people dying intestate or with an outdated will in effect, creating uncertainty around the desired estate distribution.
The amalgamation of these factors has intensified the need for careful estate planning and professional legal guidance.
VRT’s Role in Protecting Your Legacy
As specialists in Wills & Estate law, VRT Lawyers is committed to helping you safeguard your legacy and alleviate unnecessary conflict. Our team works closely with you to ensure your estate plans are comprehensive, compliant and tailored to fit your true intentions.
We recommend maintaining a well-drafted will which and have it regularly reviewed to effectively alleviate potential disputes. Whether you need to draft a new will, review an existing one to remain valid under current NSW laws, or resolve a contested estate, now is the time to act.
Contact our Wills & Estates team today to ensure your estate plan provides clarity, certainty, and protection for your loved ones.
