Tanya Briffa
Special Counsel | Wills & Estates

Expertise

Tanya was admitted to practice in 2005 and has worked almost exclusively in the area of wills and estates since that time. Tanya joined Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams in June 2022 having worked with a preeminent legal firm in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for 18 years prior. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Tanya is a valuable and highly respected member of our Wills & Estates team. Her clients benefit from her professional and compassionate approach to her work and her ability to explain legal processes and concepts with patience and clarity. Tanya is committed to obtaining the best possible outcomes for her clients in a practical and cost-effective manner.

Tanya is able to assist her clients in all aspects of wills and estates:

• Estate planning including the preparation of wills (from simple wills to more complex testamentary trusts), enduring powers of attorney, appointments of medical treatment decision makers, advance care directives, superannuation beneficiary nominations and advising clients in relation to complex family situations.
• Applications for grants of representation (probate/letters of administration) including applications in relation to informal wills and reseals of foreign grants of probate
• Estate administration including the preparation of deeds of family arrangement
• Estate litigation including applications for further provision from deceased estates (i.e. family provision claims), executor removal applications, and challenges to the validity of wills (e.g. on the grounds of testamentary incapacity)
• VCAT guardianship and administration matters including disputes regarding powers of attorney

About Tanya

Outside of work, Tanya has two young children who keep her very busy.  When she does however find spare time, Tanya enjoys walking, music and dining out with family and friends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws – Monash University
• Bachelor of Arts – Monash University
• Accredited Specialist – Wills & Estates – Law Institute of Victoria

Admissions

• Supreme Court of Victoria
• High Court of Australia

Memberships and Committees

• Law Institute of Victoria