WILLS AND ESTATES
A POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION IN WILLS AND ESTATES GIVES YOU AN EDGE
The College of Law helps you strengthen your understanding of will drafting, probate, estate administration and contested estate litigation. Your career is an opportunity to make a greater impact. Postgraduate study gives you the confidence and capability to serve clients at your professional best.
Advance your career by applying practical succession law skills to guide clients through sensitive and complex matters. Study a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master of Laws to deepen your expertise in estate law and planning.
Expand your knowledge, improve client outcomes, and gain recognition as a wills and estates specialist.
Scroll down to explore postgraduate succession law courses and qualifications.
THE NEXT INTAKE STARTS 9 NOV 2026
Book a call back with one of our Customer and Student Engagement Advisors
PROGRAM OPTIONS - WILLS AND ESTATES
Graduate Certificate in Applied Law
2
Choose any two subjects in your chosen area
A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)
Approx 6 months
Graduate Diploma of Applied Law (Wills and Estates)
4
3 core subjects (WEP1, WEP2, WEP3) and 1 WEP elective subject
A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)
1 year part-time
Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Wills and Estates
8
3 WEP subjects, 4 elective subjects or a second major and the Capstone project in Wills and Estates
A recognised law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent)
2 years part-time
OR START WITH A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
Take control of your career
If you decide later to progress towards a Masters, you’ll receive credit towards that award.
WILLS & ESTATES SUBJECTS
WEP00 - Capstone Project (Wills & Estates)
Intake 2, 4TOPICS
THE SUBJECT HAS FOUR COMPONENTS
- Four short answer questions
- Two legal writing samples
- Oral communication (e.g. client interview) assessment held through online conferencing
- Reflective analysis
WEP1 - Foundations of Wills & Estates Practice
Intake 1, 2, 3, 4TOPICS
- Testamentary contracts, mutual wills and estoppel
- Ethics, professional responsibility and liability
- Proof of death and burial
- Formal requirements and the dispensing power
- Taking instructions for and drafting wills
- Essential validity, including testamentary capacity
- Introduction to family provision
- Post-execution: alterations, codicils, republication, revocation and revival
WEP2 - Law and Practice of Estates
Intake 2, 4This subject covers the procedures and principles involved in the administration of estates. It identifies and enables students to apply the legislative provisions relating to testate and intestate estates. It covers the procedural steps for obtaining uncontested grants of probate and letters of administration, including taking client instructions and providing appropriate advice to the client. Students draft applications for grants of probate and letters of administration, as well as administer assets and wind up the estate.
On satisfactory completion of this subject students will understand fundamental theories and practices involved in administration of estates practice, and have an understanding of how to apply this knowledge in professional practice. Students will be able to use and explain this knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Using practice-based analytical and critical thinking skills, students will be able to apply this knowledge to problem-solving and decision-making in practice.
TOPICS
- Framework for estate administration applications
- Intestacy
- Administration without a grant, small estates and obtaining instructions for estate administration
- Applying for grants of probate and letters of administration and for resealing
- Asset collection, payment of debts and distribution
- Duties and liabilities of legal personal representatives and rights of beneficiaries
- Taxation matters, accounts and commission
- Costing estate matters and managing a wills and estates practice
WEP3 - Construing and Drafting Wills
Intake 1, 3TOPICS
- The court of construction and construction suits
- General principles of construction and construing gifts
- Specific rules of construction
- Admissibility of evidence in the construction of a will Issues in advising on estate planning
- Drafting issues - blended families
- Drafting issues – testamentary trusts and vulnerable beneficiaries
- Lapse of gifts and equitable ademption, satisfaction and election
WEP4 - Family Provision
Intake 2, 4TOPICS
- The family provision framework
- Approach of the court to different categories of applicant
- Commencement of proceedings
- Evidence
- Types of orders
- Other issues impacting family provision
- Mediation and settlement of proceedings, release of rights and compromises
- After mediation: further evidence and the conduct of the hearing
WEP5 - Contested Probate and Other Court Applications
Intake 1, 3TOPICS
- Caveats Solemn form and common form grants; revocation of a grant
- Applications to impugn the essential validity of a will Interim and limited grants - substantive law and procedure and drafting considerations
- Lost wills
- Informal wills
- Statutory will applications - substantive law and procedure and preparation
- Costs, commission and passing of accounts
WEP6 - Advanced Issues in Wills and Estates
Intake 2, 4TOPICS
- Understanding testamentary succession
- Testamentary contracts, estoppel and will making
- Testamentary trusts
- Particular types of gifts and beneficiaries Insolvent estates
- The forfeiture rule
- Delegation of testamentary power
- Wills and estates under foreign law
WEP7 - Elder Law
Intake 3TOPICS
- Introduction to the regulatory framework, delegation and capacity
- Mandatory substitute decision-making
- Financial elder abuse
- Accommodation: Staying at home – carers and assistance Accommodation:
- Staying with the family – granny flats
- Accommodation: Moving out – retirement villages and manufactured home parks
- Permanent residential aged care
- Discrimination and liability
START DATES
| Aug Intake 3 | Nov Intake 4 | Feb Intake 1 | May Intake 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| START DATE | 10 Aug 2026 | 09 Nov 2026 | 08 Feb 2027 | 10 May 2027 |
| CENSUS | 26 Aug 2026 | 02 Dec 2026 | 24 Feb 2027 | 26 May 2027 |
| END DATE | 30 Oct 2026 | 05 Feb 2027 | 30 Apr 2027 | 30 Jul 2027 |
| Subject | Start Date | Census | End Date | Workshop Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice | 07 Sep 2026 | 17 Sep 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| DRP3 - Advocacy | 21 Sep 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 |
15 - 17 October 2026 |
| FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution | 21 Sep 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution | 02 Nov 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | 11 Dec 2026 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| LB3 - Business Strategy: Planning for Success | 02 Nov 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | 11 Dec 2026 | |
| FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone | 25 Jan 2027 | 03 Feb 2027 | 05 Mar 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation | 08 Feb 2027 | 17 Feb 2027 | 19 Mar 2027 |
Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution | 22 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 30 Apr 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice | 05 Apr 2027 | 21 Apr 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution | 03 May 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 11 Jun 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| LB3 - Business Strategy: Planning for Success | 03 May 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 11 Jun 2027 | |
| FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone | 14 Jun 2027 | 23 Jun 2027 | 23 Jul 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| Subject | Start Date | Census | End Date | Workshop Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice | 07 Sep 2026 | 17 Sep 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution | 21 Sep 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution | 02 Nov 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | 11 Dec 2026 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone | 25 Jan 2027 | 03 Feb 2027 | 05 Mar 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027
|
| FDR1 - Family Law and Mediation | 08 Feb 2027 | 17 Feb 2027 | 19 Mar 2027 |
Intake 1, 2027
|
| FDR2 - Children’s Matters, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution | 22 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 30 Apr 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR5 - Virtual Simulated Practice | 05 Apr 2027 | 21 Apr 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR3 - Advanced Family Dispute Resolution | 03 May 2027 | 12 May 2027 | 11 Jun 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027 |
| FDR4 - Case Management in Family Dispute Resolution Capstone | 14 Jun 2027 | 23 Jun 2027 | 23 Jul 2027 |
Intake 2, 2026 Intake 1, 2027
|
TEACHING STAFF
HAVE QUESTIONS OR READY TO ENROL?
Book a call back with one of our Customer and Student Engagement Advisors
I can honestly say that my first Master of Laws in 2016, despite being from one of Sydney's leading universities, did not contribute to my professional success whatsoever. In stark contrast, the College of Laws Wills and Estates (Applied Law) program has directly and often immediatly advanced my career. Read more
Oliver Morrisey, LLM Graduate & Best Graduating Student - Wills and Estates
I gained a real insight into the mechanics of wills and estates practice in my first masters.
Chloe Kopilovic, LLM Graduate - Wills and Estates
I graduated six months ago, and since then I've actively sought to implement what I've learned into my day-to-day practice.
Krystal Bellamy, LLM Graduate - Wills and Estates
I’ll never forget what I learned during my education, and the partners who have helped shape the lawyer I am today.
Lav Chhabra, LLM Graduate - Wills and Estates
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This depends on your workload and your personal situation. If you complete 1 subject every intake you could complete your Masters in 2 years. However, you have five years to complete the course from your intake commencement date.
Yes. Many students study one subject per intake while working full-time.
Allow around 10–12 hours each week for one subject. This is not usually one long block of study. Your week may include working through online learning materials, reading relevant legislation, cases and commentary, preparing for weekly discussions, attending a 45–60-minute live online interaction and planning, drafting and reviewing assessment work.
The workload will vary from week to week, particularly around assessment dates. Most graduates recommend starting with one subject, setting aside regular study blocks and beginning assessments early.
For a closer look at how lawyers balance postgraduate study with full-time work, read our guide on studying a Master of Laws while working full-time.
For a practical sense of the weekly commitment, see what 10–12 hours of postgraduate study actually looks like each week.
There are four intakes a year: February, May, August and November.
As you have 5 years to complete your Masters, you don’t need to complete a subject every intake. However, if you do not study for 2 consecutive intakes – then you can apply for a Leave of Absence. You can only request a leave of absence twice over the course of your studies.
You can do any of the following without financial penalty any time before the published census date for each intake:
- Withdraw completely
- Change the subject or course you are enrolled in
- Defer it to a subsequent intake (must be within the next 12 months)
Learn more by reading our Policy Index.
Yes, you can, but StudyAssist FEE-HELP will not apply.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Law
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law requires the successful completion of two subjects and can typically be completed in six months, making it the fastest way to earn a postgraduate law qualification.
This qualification is ideal for:
- Practitioners seeking targeted, practical upskilling in a specific area of law
- Lawyers looking for a low‑commitment entry point into postgraduate study
Graduate Diploma of Applied Law
The Graduate Diploma of Applied Law requires the successful completion of four subjects and can be completed part‑time in one year.
This qualification is ideal for:
- Broader coverage across one or more practice areas
- Greater depth of expertise than a Graduate Certificate
- A recognised postgraduate qualification without the time commitment of a Master’s degree
Master of Laws (Applied Law)
The Master of Laws (Applied Law) requires the successful completion of eight subjects and supports long‑term career development.
This qualification can be completed part‑time over two years and offers:
- The option to complete one or two majors
- Advanced, practice‑focused learning
- Deeper specialisation for experienced practitioners
Master of Applied Law (Family Law)
For practitioners specialising in family law, the College also offers the Master of Applied Law (Family Law). This degree is designed for those who want to focus exclusively on family law and requires:
- Four core family law subjects
- Three family law elective subjects
- Completion of the Family Law Capstone Project
Need tips on how to choose the right Master of Laws? read this article for great insights
The Capstone Project is the final subject in your major and brings together the knowledge and practical skills developed throughout your postgraduate program.
It challenges you to apply those skills in complex, realistic legal scenarios, strengthening core lawyering capabilities such as legal research and analysis, writing, problem‑solving, advocacy, negotiation and professional reflection.
As part of the Capstone Project, students:
- Complete a series of short‑answer written exercises with individual and group feedback
- Prepare legal writing drafts, revise them based on lecturer feedback, and refine them to professional standard
- Submit a Final Portfolio, which includes written work, an oral assessment, and a reflective exercise
Optional skills modules in research, writing, ethics, problem‑solving and oral communication are available throughout the intake to support assessment preparation and skill development.
The Capstone Project is designed to demonstrate your readiness for advanced legal practice and is a key component of your final qualification.
The fee per subject in 2026 is $4,150 (no GST applies)
The fee per subject in 2027 is $4,295 (no GST applies)
Please note that our fees are subject to annual review and may change during your enrolment. Full payment is required at the time of enrolment each semester, and we accept various payment methods including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and credit card. Additionally, if you are an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, you may be eligible to defer your payment through the Commonwealth Government's FEE-HELP scheme.
Yes, if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident you may be eligible to receive FEE-HELP. For more information, visit the FEE-HELP website.
The College’s Credit for Prior Learning Policy encourages practitioners who have completed previous postgraduate and other recognised study to apply for credit towards either the LLM (Applied Law) or the Master of Applied Law (Family Law).
A maximum of three subject credits may be granted towards the Masters awards.
- If you have undertaken a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with The College of Law within the last ten years, you may apply to receive up to two elective subjects of unspecified credit.
- If you have undertaken a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with another provider within the last ten years, you may apply to receive one elective subject of unspecified credit.
- If you have undertaken other postgraduate study, such as an LLM or Graduate Diploma of Law, whether you have completed the award or not, you may be eligible to receive credit for that study.
- Accredited Specialists may qualify for exemption of the foundations subject and Capstone Project for their area of major.
- Applicants who have completed a Legal Practice Management Course at The College of Law in may receive one subject specified credit.
You may be entitled to claim your full 10 units per subject for your CPD requirements.
However, you may still need to complete some mandatory CPD units. Please check with your local law society for the requirements in your state or territory.
WA-based students may claim up to 6 units per subject (6 CPD units for an intensive subject that has a compulsory workshop requirement or 4 CPD units for any other subject). College will lodge the CPD points with the Legal Practice Board on successful completion of the subject(s).
The Kay Smith Scholarship is designed to assist law graduates and young lawyers in Australia and New Zealand facing financial or personal hardships by covering the costs of a Master of Laws (Applied Law) or a Practical Legal Training course at The College of Law. It honours Kay Smith’s significant contributions to the college. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic commitment, and community impact. Applications are due annually by December 15.
The College of Law offers postgraduate courses across a wide range of legal practice areas, designed to help you specialise, deepen your expertise and advance your career.
You can choose from:
- Business Law and Transactions
- Commercial Litigation
- Dispute Resolution
- Family Dispute Resolution Practice
- Family Law
- Government and Public Sector Law
- In-house Practice
- International Arbitration
- Wills and Estates
- Estate Planning
- ASEAN+6 Legal Practice
- Property Law
- Legal Business Management
- Additionally you can Customise your program or choose a double major
Each area includes Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Laws options, giving you the flexibility to tailor your study to your professional goals.
Yes. If you are from a non-English speaking country or your previous studies were in a language other than English, you will need to demonstrate your English skills in accordance with the IELTS standard before starting the program.
The requisite IELTS standard is at level 8 (writing), 7 (listening), 7.5 (speaking), 7 (reading), and 7.5 overall.
There are many ways to build your legal career. You can specialise in a practice area that aligns with your interests and clients’ needs.
Explore our career guides to see where each path could take you:
- Business Law and Transactions
- Commercial Litigation
- Dispute Resolution
- Family Dispute Resolution Practice
- Family Law
- Government and Public Sector Law
- In-house Practice
- International Arbitration
- Wills and Estates
- Estate Planning
- ASEAN+6 Legal Practice
- Property Law
- Legal Business Management
Each guide outlines typical work, key skills, study options and how to get started.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Law
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law requires the successful completion of two subjects and can typically be completed in six months, making it the fastest way to earn a postgraduate law qualification.
This qualification is ideal for:
- Practitioners seeking targeted, practical upskilling in a specific area of law
- Lawyers looking for a low‑commitment entry point into postgraduate study
Graduate Diploma of Applied Law
The Graduate Diploma of Applied Law requires the successful completion of four subjects and can be completed part‑time in one year.
This qualification is ideal for:
- Broader coverage across one or more practice areas
- Greater depth of expertise than a Graduate Certificate
- A recognised postgraduate qualification without the time commitment of a Master’s degree
Master of Laws (Applied Law)
The Master of Laws (Applied Law) requires the successful completion of eight subjects and supports long‑term career development.
This qualification can be completed part‑time over two years and offers:
- The option to complete one or two majors
- Advanced, practice‑focused learning
- Deeper specialisation for experienced practitioners
Master of Applied Law (Family Law)
For practitioners specialising in family law, the College also offers the Master of Applied Law (Family Law). This degree is designed for those who want to focus exclusively on family law and requires:
- Four core family law subjects
- Three family law elective subjects
- Completion of the Family Law Capstone Project
Need tips on how to choose the right Master of Laws? read this article for great insights
Although closely related, Family Law and Family Dispute Resolution Practice lead to different professional roles and outcomes.
Family Dispute Resolution Practice
Family Dispute Resolution Practice prepares students to become a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). FDRPs are independent professionals who facilitate advanced dispute resolution around parenting, property and financial matters outside the court process.
You do not need a Family Law qualification to become an accredited FDRP. Accredited requires completion of a Family Dispute Resolution Practice qualification.
Family Law
Family Law postgraduate programs focus on building practical expertise in negotiation and dispute resolution, litigation and court processes, and advising clients through separation, property division and settlements.
Family Lawyers cannot become FDRPs without completing a Family Dispute Resolution Practice qualification.
If you are looking to deepen your expertise across both areas, the Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Family Dispute Resolution Practice and Family Law is the right fit for you.
No. To become a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, you will need to:
- Complete the Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Practice (FRDP)
- Seek accreditation with the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department
Many students choose to pursue an LLM with a double major in Family Law and FDRP.
Yes. Many LLM students choose electives from our Legal Business Management course. Please contact us to learn how.
