Wills, Estate Planning & Disputes
Comprehensive estate planning for your peace of mind
At Fountain Law, we specialise in helping you plan for the future confidently and clearly. Estate planning is more than just drafting a will; it’s about ensuring your legacy, protecting your family, and making informed decisions about your assets.
Your partner in estate planning
Thinking about your future and what happens after you're gone can be difficult, but planning ensures that your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are cared for. At Fountain Law, we guide you through every step, from assessing your estate and setting up trusts to preparing essential documents like Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives. Whether you have a simple estate or complex family arrangements, we provide tailored solutions to protect your wealth and honour your wishes. We also support executors with probate and estate administration, handling legal complexities with care. Let us help you create a plan that reflects your values and provides peace of mind for the future.
We can help you with
Planning your estate
Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and securing the future of your loved ones. Our team will work closely with you to assess your situation and create a plan that protects your interests, minimises taxes, and meets your unique needs. We ensure that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Creating a succession plan
A succession plan ensures the smooth transfer of your business or assets to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. We help you outline the steps for transferring control, minimising conflict, and safeguarding your business's future. Whether for a family business or other valuable assets, we ensure the process is structured for long-term success.
Making your will
A will is a key document in estate planning. We help you draft a will that clearly outlines who inherits your assets and belongings, ensuring your wishes are followed and minimising the potential for disputes among family members. We can also assist in updating your will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new beneficiaries.
Creating a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you cannot do so. We can help you understand your options and create a document that provides the protection you need in case of incapacity. This ensures that someone you trust is in charge, preventing potential issues.
Contesting a will
If you feel that a will doesn’t fairly reflect the intentions of the deceased or leaves you out unfairly, we can guide you through the process of contesting a will. Our team will guide you through the legal requirements and help you understand your rights. We work to ensure that the distribution of assets is handled justly and according to the law.
Managing a deceased estate
Administering a deceased estate involves many legal responsibilities, from ensuring assets are distributed to fulfilling obligations. We assist executors in managing the estate, making the process smoother and meeting all legal requirements. Our expert advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes during this sensitive time.
Applying for a grant of probate
If you are the executor of a will, a Grant of Probate may be necessary to administer the estate. We assist in obtaining this legal document, ensuring the process is completed efficiently and correctly. Our team will handle the complexities, allowing you to focus on fulfilling your duties as executor.
Applying for letters of administration
In cases where a person passes without a will, applying for Letters of Administration may be required to manage the estate. Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate this legal process and fulfil your duties as an administrator. We work to simplify this process and ensure everything is done in compliance with the law.
Appointing a medical treatment decision maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker can make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. We can help you appoint someone you trust and ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. This appointment is critical in ensuring that medical treatment aligns with your values and choices.
Creating an advance healthcare directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. We help you create this vital document to ensure your preferences are clear and followed in times of need. This ensures your health decisions are made according to your desires, even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Setting Up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)
Setting up an SMSF offers greater control over your retirement savings. We guide you through the establishment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and that your fund is structured to benefit your long-term goals. Our team helps you make informed investment decisions, maximising your retirement potential.
Setting up a testamentary or philanthropic trust
A testamentary trust ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death, often with specific conditions. We also help you set up philanthropic trusts if you wish to donate to charity while benefiting from tax advantages. This ensures that your legacy supports your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Giving money to charity
If you want to leave a charitable legacy or donate as part of your estate plan, we can help you structure these gifts. We’ll assist you in choosing the best method for donating, whether through a bequest in your will or creating a charitable trust, ensuring your contribution has the impact you desire. Our guidance ensures your charitable donations are maximised for tax benefits and lasting effects.
Planning your estate
Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and securing the future of your loved ones. Our team will work closely with you to assess your situation and create a plan that protects your interests, minimises taxes, and meets your unique needs. We ensure that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Creating a succession plan
A succession plan ensures the smooth transfer of your business or assets to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. We help you outline the steps for transferring control, minimising conflict, and safeguarding your business's future. Whether for a family business or other valuable assets, we ensure the process is structured for long-term success.
Making your will
A will is a key document in estate planning. We help you draft a will that clearly outlines who inherits your assets and belongings, ensuring your wishes are followed and minimising the potential for disputes among family members. We can also assist in updating your will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new beneficiaries.
Creating a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you cannot do so. We can help you understand your options and create a document that provides the protection you need in case of incapacity. This ensures that someone you trust is in charge, preventing potential issues.
Contesting a will
If you feel that a will doesn’t fairly reflect the intentions of the deceased or leaves you out unfairly, we can guide you through the process of contesting a will. Our team will guide you through the legal requirements and help you understand your rights. We work to ensure that the distribution of assets is handled justly and according to the law.
Managing a deceased estate
Administering a deceased estate involves many legal responsibilities, from ensuring assets are distributed to fulfilling obligations. We assist executors in managing the estate, making the process smoother and meeting all legal requirements. Our expert advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes during this sensitive time.
Applying for a grant of probate
If you are the executor of a will, a Grant of Probate may be necessary to administer the estate. We assist in obtaining this legal document, ensuring the process is completed efficiently and correctly. Our team will handle the complexities, allowing you to focus on fulfilling your duties as executor.
Applying for letters of administration
In cases where a person passes without a will, applying for Letters of Administration may be required to manage the estate. Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate this legal process and fulfil your duties as an administrator. We work to simplify this process and ensure everything is done in compliance with the law.
Appointing a medical treatment decision maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker can make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. We can help you appoint someone you trust and ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. This appointment is critical in ensuring that medical treatment aligns with your values and choices.
Creating an advance healthcare directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. We help you create this vital document to ensure your preferences are clear and followed in times of need. This ensures your health decisions are made according to your desires, even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Setting Up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)
Setting up an SMSF offers greater control over your retirement savings. We guide you through the establishment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and that your fund is structured to benefit your long-term goals. Our team helps you make informed investment decisions, maximising your retirement potential.
Setting up a testamentary or philanthropic trust
A testamentary trust ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death, often with specific conditions. We also help you set up philanthropic trusts if you wish to donate to charity while benefiting from tax advantages. This ensures that your legacy supports your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Giving money to charity
If you want to leave a charitable legacy or donate as part of your estate plan, we can help you structure these gifts. We’ll assist you in choosing the best method for donating, whether through a bequest in your will or creating a charitable trust, ensuring your contribution has the impact you desire. Our guidance ensures your charitable donations are maximised for tax benefits and lasting effects.
Planning your estate
Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and securing the future of your loved ones. Our team will work closely with you to assess your situation and create a plan that protects your interests, minimises taxes, and meets your unique needs. We ensure that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Creating a succession plan
A succession plan ensures the smooth transfer of your business or assets to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. We help you outline the steps for transferring control, minimising conflict, and safeguarding your business's future. Whether for a family business or other valuable assets, we ensure the process is structured for long-term success.
Making your will
A will is a key document in estate planning. We help you draft a will that clearly outlines who inherits your assets and belongings, ensuring your wishes are followed and minimising the potential for disputes among family members. We can also assist in updating your will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new beneficiaries.
Creating a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you cannot do so. We can help you understand your options and create a document that provides the protection you need in case of incapacity. This ensures that someone you trust is in charge, preventing potential issues.
Contesting a will
If you feel that a will doesn’t fairly reflect the intentions of the deceased or leaves you out unfairly, we can guide you through the process of contesting a will. Our team will guide you through the legal requirements and help you understand your rights. We work to ensure that the distribution of assets is handled justly and according to the law.
Managing a deceased estate
Administering a deceased estate involves many legal responsibilities, from ensuring assets are distributed to fulfilling obligations. We assist executors in managing the estate, making the process smoother and meeting all legal requirements. Our expert advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes during this sensitive time.
Applying for a grant of probate
If you are the executor of a will, a Grant of Probate may be necessary to administer the estate. We assist in obtaining this legal document, ensuring the process is completed efficiently and correctly. Our team will handle the complexities, allowing you to focus on fulfilling your duties as executor.
Applying for letters of administration
In cases where a person passes without a will, applying for Letters of Administration may be required to manage the estate. Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate this legal process and fulfil your duties as an administrator. We work to simplify this process and ensure everything is done in compliance with the law.
Appointing a medical treatment decision maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker can make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. We can help you appoint someone you trust and ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. This appointment is critical in ensuring that medical treatment aligns with your values and choices.
Creating an advance healthcare directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. We help you create this vital document to ensure your preferences are clear and followed in times of need. This ensures your health decisions are made according to your desires, even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Setting Up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)
Setting up an SMSF offers greater control over your retirement savings. We guide you through the establishment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and that your fund is structured to benefit your long-term goals. Our team helps you make informed investment decisions, maximising your retirement potential.
Setting up a testamentary or philanthropic trust
A testamentary trust ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death, often with specific conditions. We also help you set up philanthropic trusts if you wish to donate to charity while benefiting from tax advantages. This ensures that your legacy supports your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Giving money to charity
If you want to leave a charitable legacy or donate as part of your estate plan, we can help you structure these gifts. We’ll assist you in choosing the best method for donating, whether through a bequest in your will or creating a charitable trust, ensuring your contribution has the impact you desire. Our guidance ensures your charitable donations are maximised for tax benefits and lasting effects.
Planning your estate
Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and securing the future of your loved ones. Our team will work closely with you to assess your situation and create a plan that protects your interests, minimises taxes, and meets your unique needs. We ensure that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Creating a succession plan
A succession plan ensures the smooth transfer of your business or assets to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. We help you outline the steps for transferring control, minimising conflict, and safeguarding your business's future. Whether for a family business or other valuable assets, we ensure the process is structured for long-term success.
Making your will
A will is a key document in estate planning. We help you draft a will that clearly outlines who inherits your assets and belongings, ensuring your wishes are followed and minimising the potential for disputes among family members. We can also assist in updating your will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new beneficiaries.
Creating a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you cannot do so. We can help you understand your options and create a document that provides the protection you need in case of incapacity. This ensures that someone you trust is in charge, preventing potential issues.
Contesting a will
If you feel that a will doesn’t fairly reflect the intentions of the deceased or leaves you out unfairly, we can guide you through the process of contesting a will. Our team will guide you through the legal requirements and help you understand your rights. We work to ensure that the distribution of assets is handled justly and according to the law.
Managing a deceased estate
Administering a deceased estate involves many legal responsibilities, from ensuring assets are distributed to fulfilling obligations. We assist executors in managing the estate, making the process smoother and meeting all legal requirements. Our expert advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes during this sensitive time.
Applying for a grant of probate
If you are the executor of a will, a Grant of Probate may be necessary to administer the estate. We assist in obtaining this legal document, ensuring the process is completed efficiently and correctly. Our team will handle the complexities, allowing you to focus on fulfilling your duties as executor.
Applying for letters of administration
In cases where a person passes without a will, applying for Letters of Administration may be required to manage the estate. Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate this legal process and fulfil your duties as an administrator. We work to simplify this process and ensure everything is done in compliance with the law.
Appointing a medical treatment decision maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker can make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. We can help you appoint someone you trust and ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. This appointment is critical in ensuring that medical treatment aligns with your values and choices.
Creating an advance healthcare directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. We help you create this vital document to ensure your preferences are clear and followed in times of need. This ensures your health decisions are made according to your desires, even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Setting Up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)
Setting up an SMSF offers greater control over your retirement savings. We guide you through the establishment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and that your fund is structured to benefit your long-term goals. Our team helps you make informed investment decisions, maximising your retirement potential.
Setting up a testamentary or philanthropic trust
A testamentary trust ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death, often with specific conditions. We also help you set up philanthropic trusts if you wish to donate to charity while benefiting from tax advantages. This ensures that your legacy supports your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Giving money to charity
If you want to leave a charitable legacy or donate as part of your estate plan, we can help you structure these gifts. We’ll assist you in choosing the best method for donating, whether through a bequest in your will or creating a charitable trust, ensuring your contribution has the impact you desire. Our guidance ensures your charitable donations are maximised for tax benefits and lasting effects.
Planning your estate
Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and securing the future of your loved ones. Our team will work closely with you to assess your situation and create a plan that protects your interests, minimises taxes, and meets your unique needs. We ensure that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Creating a succession plan
A succession plan ensures the smooth transfer of your business or assets to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. We help you outline the steps for transferring control, minimising conflict, and safeguarding your business's future. Whether for a family business or other valuable assets, we ensure the process is structured for long-term success.
Making your will
A will is a key document in estate planning. We help you draft a will that clearly outlines who inherits your assets and belongings, ensuring your wishes are followed and minimising the potential for disputes among family members. We can also assist in updating your will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new beneficiaries.
Creating a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you cannot do so. We can help you understand your options and create a document that provides the protection you need in case of incapacity. This ensures that someone you trust is in charge, preventing potential issues.
Contesting a will
If you feel that a will doesn’t fairly reflect the intentions of the deceased or leaves you out unfairly, we can guide you through the process of contesting a will. Our team will guide you through the legal requirements and help you understand your rights. We work to ensure that the distribution of assets is handled justly and according to the law.
Managing a deceased estate
Administering a deceased estate involves many legal responsibilities, from ensuring assets are distributed to fulfilling obligations. We assist executors in managing the estate, making the process smoother and meeting all legal requirements. Our expert advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes during this sensitive time.
Applying for a grant of probate
If you are the executor of a will, a Grant of Probate may be necessary to administer the estate. We assist in obtaining this legal document, ensuring the process is completed efficiently and correctly. Our team will handle the complexities, allowing you to focus on fulfilling your duties as executor.
Applying for letters of administration
In cases where a person passes without a will, applying for Letters of Administration may be required to manage the estate. Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate this legal process and fulfil your duties as an administrator. We work to simplify this process and ensure everything is done in compliance with the law.
Appointing a medical treatment decision maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker can make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. We can help you appoint someone you trust and ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. This appointment is critical in ensuring that medical treatment aligns with your values and choices.
Creating an advance healthcare directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. We help you create this vital document to ensure your preferences are clear and followed in times of need. This ensures your health decisions are made according to your desires, even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Setting Up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)
Setting up an SMSF offers greater control over your retirement savings. We guide you through the establishment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and that your fund is structured to benefit your long-term goals. Our team helps you make informed investment decisions, maximising your retirement potential.
Setting up a testamentary or philanthropic trust
A testamentary trust ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death, often with specific conditions. We also help you set up philanthropic trusts if you wish to donate to charity while benefiting from tax advantages. This ensures that your legacy supports your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Giving money to charity
If you want to leave a charitable legacy or donate as part of your estate plan, we can help you structure these gifts. We’ll assist you in choosing the best method for donating, whether through a bequest in your will or creating a charitable trust, ensuring your contribution has the impact you desire. Our guidance ensures your charitable donations are maximised for tax benefits and lasting effects.
Planning your estate
Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and securing the future of your loved ones. Our team will work closely with you to assess your situation and create a plan that protects your interests, minimises taxes, and meets your unique needs. We ensure that every detail is covered, giving you peace of mind for the future.
Creating a succession plan
A succession plan ensures the smooth transfer of your business or assets to the next generation or chosen beneficiaries. We help you outline the steps for transferring control, minimising conflict, and safeguarding your business's future. Whether for a family business or other valuable assets, we ensure the process is structured for long-term success.
Making your will
A will is a key document in estate planning. We help you draft a will that clearly outlines who inherits your assets and belongings, ensuring your wishes are followed and minimising the potential for disputes among family members. We can also assist in updating your will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or new beneficiaries.
Creating a power of attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial or legal affairs if you cannot do so. We can help you understand your options and create a document that provides the protection you need in case of incapacity. This ensures that someone you trust is in charge, preventing potential issues.
Contesting a will
If you feel that a will doesn’t fairly reflect the intentions of the deceased or leaves you out unfairly, we can guide you through the process of contesting a will. Our team will guide you through the legal requirements and help you understand your rights. We work to ensure that the distribution of assets is handled justly and according to the law.
Managing a deceased estate
Administering a deceased estate involves many legal responsibilities, from ensuring assets are distributed to fulfilling obligations. We assist executors in managing the estate, making the process smoother and meeting all legal requirements. Our expert advice can help prevent costly mistakes and disputes during this sensitive time.
Applying for a grant of probate
If you are the executor of a will, a Grant of Probate may be necessary to administer the estate. We assist in obtaining this legal document, ensuring the process is completed efficiently and correctly. Our team will handle the complexities, allowing you to focus on fulfilling your duties as executor.
Applying for letters of administration
In cases where a person passes without a will, applying for Letters of Administration may be required to manage the estate. Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate this legal process and fulfil your duties as an administrator. We work to simplify this process and ensure everything is done in compliance with the law.
Appointing a medical treatment decision maker
A Medical Treatment Decision Maker can make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot communicate your wishes. We can help you appoint someone you trust and ensure your healthcare preferences are respected. This appointment is critical in ensuring that medical treatment aligns with your values and choices.
Creating an advance healthcare directive
An Advance Healthcare Directive outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate. We help you create this vital document to ensure your preferences are clear and followed in times of need. This ensures your health decisions are made according to your desires, even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Setting Up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF)
Setting up an SMSF offers greater control over your retirement savings. We guide you through the establishment process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and that your fund is structured to benefit your long-term goals. Our team helps you make informed investment decisions, maximising your retirement potential.
Setting up a testamentary or philanthropic trust
A testamentary trust ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death, often with specific conditions. We also help you set up philanthropic trusts if you wish to donate to charity while benefiting from tax advantages. This ensures that your legacy supports your loved ones and the causes you care about.
Giving money to charity
If you want to leave a charitable legacy or donate as part of your estate plan, we can help you structure these gifts. We’ll assist you in choosing the best method for donating, whether through a bequest in your will or creating a charitable trust, ensuring your contribution has the impact you desire. Our guidance ensures your charitable donations are maximised for tax benefits and lasting effects.
Graham Fountain
Graham is used to fighting fires. With extensive experience in the states fire services, as both a volunteer and executive, he’s faced the heat in both the bush and in the boardroom. This comes in handy now as he forges a successful career in the law.
Graham is the Principal Lawyer and owner of the Fountain Law Group and a Nationally Accredited Mediator.
Graham has a reputation as a transformational, visionary, dynamic and highly responsive Non-Executive Chair/Director, CEO, Principal Lawyer, and Nationally Accredited Mediator. This experience provides Graham with well-honed governance, legal and strategic leadership skills arising from his demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, complex, and politically sensitive environment, evidenced by a diverse and successful career within the public, private and not for profit sector, across multiple national and local companies and organisations.
Graham’s proven track record in organisational change, improving business and brand performance through strategic foresight, service delivery innovation and inspirational leadership in small, medium, and large multi-faceted organisations provides a solid foundation to apply to supporting and providing tailored advice to his clients, and adds value to client’s personal and business needs. He leverages his wealth of experience to support companies, individuals, sporting bodies, professional athletes, sponsors, clubs and associations to negotiate and restructure their respective entity structures, arrangements and contracts.
As Graham has walked in the shoes of a Board Chair/Director, CEO and business owner, local businesses, executives and directors benefit from his expertise in both the law and life.
While he understands the finer points of the law, his strength lies in reaching commercial outcomes that will transform a business. Graham provides his clients with a holistic range of services that include negotiating mergers and acquisitions, sensitive business restructures, industrial agreements and working with all levels of government.
Not one to sit in the office, Graham’s true love is community. He has been involved with the CFA for over 48 years, volunteers with local sporting clubs and provides his oversight to several community organisations as a non-executive chair and director.
Grahams relief from the pressures of work lay in his family, including enjoying being a poppy to his newest members of his family.
Alan Splatt
Alan has the depth and breadth of experience in the law that can only come with almost 50 years in the profession. It’s not the work that keeps him going, but rather the people that he has the pleasure of working with and helping. With his personable approach and empathy for clients, it’s no surprise that Alan has helped multiple generations of clients resolve their legal issues and made many friends and respected colleagues along the way.
Living and working in the local area, Alan has built strong relationships with business owners and developers in Frankston, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bayside regions. He has helped many structure and run their businesses by providing contractual and commercial advice and guiding them on succession planning. In addition, property developers have valued Alan’s guidance and advice in helping them manage major commercial and residential subdivisions and developments. Local families also trust Alan to help them pass on wealth to the next generation by handling their estates and Wills.
Alan instils trust in his clients by listening to their concerns and responding to their needs in a timely manner. No matter how big or small the issue, he understands how stressful legal issues can be and the importance of giving sound advice quickly. It’s with this ethos of care and responsiveness that Alan built Taylor Splatt & Partners from the ground up.
Alan is an Accredited Family Law Specialist and Accredited Family Law Arbitrator. He was also a past president of the Mornington Peninsula Lawyers Association, Chair of the Law Institute’s Family Law Advisory Committee and Convenor of the Volunteer Duty Lawyer scheme at both the Family and Magistrates Courts and Convenor of the Family Law Chapter. In addition to his professional endeavours, he is also an honorary Solicitor to a number of charities and sporting organisations and a Life Member of two Cricket Clubs. He also enjoys watching football, going fly fishing and spending time with his wife, children and six grandchildren.
Stephanie Scott
Stephanie became a lawyer because she enjoys helping people navigate life’s challenges. Whether assisting with estate planning, guiding families through immigration matters, or overseeing conveyancing transactions, she is committed to making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
At Fountain Law, Stephanie focuses on estate planning, administration and disputes, immigration law, and conveyancing matters. She takes pride in helping clients secure their future, whether by drafting wills, establishing legacies, or ensuring smooth property transactions.
With kindness and empathy, Stephanie supports individuals through complex legal matters, ensuring they feel informed and confident in their decisions. Her background in linguistics reinforces her commitment to clear communication, ensuring clients understand their legal options in plain English.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys musical theatre and plays the bagpipes with the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, where she serves as President. She is also actively involved in the piping community, serving on the committee of the Victorian Pipers Association and the College Branch Committee of Pipe Bands Victoria. A decorated piper, with her band she has won both the Australian and New Zealand Pipe Band Championships and has performed at major events both in Australia and overseas including Anzac Day commemorations, the Melbourne Tartan Festival, and the prestigious Lorient Interceltic Festival in Brittany, France.
Theresa Johnson
Theresa brings over 10 years’ experience as a legal secretary across several firms in the Latrobe Valley prior to relocating to Mornington and joining the Fountain Law team in early 2022. Theresa has a depth of experience in property conveyancing, drafting and preparing court documents and estate planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, medical treatment decision maker appointments, and applications for a grant of probate.
Theresa also has a breadth of general litigation experience, including preparing briefs for counsel and the coordination of court documentation and submissions. Theresa prides herself on going above and beyond supporting clients and ensuring they are always kept abreast of the status of their matter and delivering an outstanding customer experience to lawyers and clients alike.
Theresa’s bubbly personality ensures all clients are treated respectfully during what can be an often-daunting legal process. Theresa is currently immersed in her law studies, she looks forward to applying her knowledge to her role at Fountain Law.
Outside of work Theresa enjoys catching up with family and friends and attending live events and shows.
Tayla Giarratana
Tayla utilises her administration experience to provide administrative support to our busy and experienced senior Consultant Lawyers. Tayla has the tenacity to work hard to provide quality administrative support including preparation of legal documents, filing, managing calendars, and coordinating correspondence. As a true team-player Tayla also provides general administrative support across the firm as a member of the administration team.
Outside of work Tayla enjoys spending time with her fiancé, daughter and their many dogs.
Mandy Tickner
With over 40 years of experience in the legal field—25 of those in the UK before making the move to Australia—Mandy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the legal assistant role, handling a wide range of tasks across nearly every area of law, ensuring seamless support for attorneys and clients alike.
Plan for tomorrow, today
Don’t wait to secure your future. Our team at Fountain Law is here to guide you through the estate planning process with care and professionalism. From drafting wills to managing trusts, we ensure your wishes are honoured and your family is protected.
FAQs
A will is a crucial part of your estate plan, but estate planning encompasses much more. It can include trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, all of which help protect your assets, ensure your wishes are respected, and provide for your loved ones. A comprehensive estate plan ensures that all aspects of your legacy are carefully considered and legally structured.
It’s important to review your estate plan regularly—at least every 3-5 years—or after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a substantial change in your financial situation. Keeping your plan up to date ensures that it reflects your current wishes and protects your assets effectively.
Without an estate plan, your assets could be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your wishes. Additionally, without a power of attorney or healthcare directives, your family may face challenges in making important decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. An estate plan gives you control over your future and offers peace of mind.
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